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Old November 29th 09, 03:57 PM posted to rec.aviation.homebuilt
Brian Whatcott
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Posts: 915
Default visualisation of the lift distribution over a wing

Alan Baker wrote:
In article ,
brian whatcott wrote:

Stealth Pilot wrote:
/snip/ it is the air below pushing
you up that lifts the wing.
Stealth Pilot

In most circumstances, suction on the upper surface contributes about
2/3 rds of the lift, and pressure on the lower surface contributes about
1/3 rd.
That's one reason which rib stitching for rag wings is a biggy.

Brian W


Ummmm...

It sort of depends what you mean.

If you mean that suction is actually providing an upward force, you're
quite mistaken.

If you mean that the difference in pressure between upper and lower
surfaces is 2/3 the result of lower pressure on the upper surface, then
you might be right. I don't know.


Interesting comment: what would YOU call it when the fabric on the upper
wing surface wants to pull away from the ribs?

Brian W