Understanding Airfoil Wingtip Effects on Lift & Drag

In summary, the conversation discusses how the upwash created at the leading edge of an airfoil reduces the Angle of Attack, resulting in a decrease in lift. This decrease in lift leads to an increase in induced drag, as the lift vector shifts further rearward. The provided links offer further explanation and understanding of these concepts.
  • #1
cosmic time
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When an air passes over the wingtip of the airfoil, the upwash created at the leading edge 'reduces' the Angle of Attack, thus reducing lift. So why does this affect increase induced drag. The way I understand it, the greater the AoA (more lift), the more induced drag that is generated.

Help would be appreciated,
thank you.
 
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  • #2
It is a matter of examining the lift vector. The rearward component of the lift vector, IS by definition, induced drag. As AOA increases, the lift vector points further and further rearward.

With more facing the rear, less faces upward...reduced lift. :)
 

Related to Understanding Airfoil Wingtip Effects on Lift & Drag

1. What is an airfoil wingtip?

An airfoil wingtip is the end portion of a wing that helps to control the flow of air around the wing and improve its aerodynamic performance.

2. How do airfoil wingtips affect lift?

Airfoil wingtips create a pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing, which generates lift by creating an upward force on the wing.

3. What is the purpose of wingtip devices?

Wingtip devices, such as winglets or sharklets, are designed to reduce drag and improve the overall efficiency of an aircraft by minimizing the formation of vortices at the wingtip.

4. How do airfoil wingtips impact drag?

Airfoil wingtips can reduce drag by reducing the size and strength of the wingtip vortices, which are a major cause of drag in aircraft.

5. What are some common types of airfoil wingtips?

Some common types of airfoil wingtips include winglets, sharklets, raked wingtips, and blended winglets.

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