Describe the relationship of lift to resultant relative wind.

Prepare for the Theory of Rotary Wing Flight Test. Sharpen your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each. Ace your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

Describe the relationship of lift to resultant relative wind.

Explanation:
Lift is perpendicular to the resultant relative wind. The relative wind is the actual air velocity seen by the blade or wing—it's the combination of the blade’s motion through the air and any induced flow. Lift arises from deflecting that airflow downward, creating a pressure difference between the surfaces, so the reaction force points normal to the incoming air. In other words, the lift vector is at a right angle to the relative wind, while drag would align with the relative wind.

Lift is perpendicular to the resultant relative wind. The relative wind is the actual air velocity seen by the blade or wing—it's the combination of the blade’s motion through the air and any induced flow. Lift arises from deflecting that airflow downward, creating a pressure difference between the surfaces, so the reaction force points normal to the incoming air. In other words, the lift vector is at a right angle to the relative wind, while drag would align with the relative wind.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy