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Chapter:
Aerofoil
Definition of Aerofoil
Aerofoil or airfoil is defined as the cross-sectional shape that is designed with curved surface giving it the most favourable ratio between lift and drag in flight. Lift is the component such that the force is perpendicular to the direction of motion and drag is the component parallel to the direction of motion. A similar idea is used in the designing of hydrofoils which is used when water is used as the working fluid.
The designing of the aerofoil depends on the aerodynamic characteristics which further depends on the weight, speed and the purpose of the aircraft. These are dependent on certain terms that need to be defined to understand the design.
