Difference between revisions of "Wing"

Revision as of 20:41, 14 August 2014

A wing is a type of part primary used to provide lift during horizontal flight inside an atmosphere. The generated lift depends on the local density of atmosphere and the square of the relative speed and the wings' angle of attack (AoA). The first two element give the measure of the aerodynamic forces called dynamic pressure (Q).

${\displaystyle Q=0.5\,\cdot \rho \,\cdot v^{2}\,}$

The three-dimensional point where lift from all wings, winglets, and control surfaces averages out is the center of lift, which in rough terms acts like a lever with the fulcrum being the center of mass. The relative position of the center of lift to the center of mass is decisive element of the airplanes' stability. A stable plane should have a center of mass slightly in front of the center of lift. The optimal angle is around the highest L/D (lift/drag) ratio.

The wings always generates drag for generation of lift. As a the drag always decreases the speed of the aircraft, some kind of engine is needed for propulsion, or the potential energy has to be consumed as the gliders do. The generated lift greatly depends on the angle of attack. The lift increasing by the AoA in an interval, but at greater angles the drag increases more rapidly, decreasing the efficiency of the the flying.

Wings are the defining feature of planes, though wings may enable short-term flying or gliding by rovers and other craft. The lifting forces they generate can also be used in novel ways.

By themselves, wings provide no steering control, though their lifting forces will impact movement of a craft in flight. The trailing edges are often an ideal place for attaching control surfaces.

Note: the current aerodynamic model of the game doesn't simulate the stalling or the transonic-supersonic effects

List of wings

Template:Stats Table Wings