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12.6 Basic Aerodynamic Theory
12.6.2 Describe what an aerofoil is and distinguish between different aerofoil designs.
An aerofoil is a shape that is designed to produce lift when it moves through a fluid, such as air.

12.6.4 Define:
(a) leading edge;
- is the forward-facing edge that meets the oncoming airflow.
(b) trailing edge;
- the rear of the aerofoil where the upper and lower surfaces meet.
(c) chord;
- is the length measured along the chord line between the leading edge and the trailing edge of an aerofoil.
(d) chord line;
- is a theoretical straight line drawn from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the aerofoil.
(e) thickness;
- is the distance between the upper and lower surfaces of the aerofoil.
- measured perpendicular to the chord line.
(f) camber.
- The amount of curvature of an aerofoil.
- The greater the curvature, the greater the camber.
- Camber is a direct measure of an aerofoils coefficient of lift (CL).
- High camber aerofoils
- high lift, low airspeed aircraft
- eg. Fletcher/Cresco crop duster

- Medium camber aerofoils
- light training aircraft
- eg. Cessna 152

- Low camber aerofoils
- high airspeed aircraft
- eg. F-16 Fighter Jet

12.6.6 Define relative airflow and angle of attack.
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