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Sustentation in Flight

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 August 2017

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Extract

The foundation of the modern theory of sustentation is the recognition of a cyclic or circulation component in the fluid motion surrounding the aerofoil.

But the “ circulation ” is of a somewhat abstract character. To the non-mathematical, and more generally to those who like to be positively assured that they are dealing with physical realities, the truth of the “ circulation ” is not altogether easy to demonstrate; in fact, it must be admitted that the word is used in a special sense.

Thus, when we talk of circulation we naturally expect to be able to track a particle in its path till it returns to’ some starting point or datum; such, for instance, as the underground trains on the inner circle, or as in the circulation of the blood from the heart through arteries, capillaries and veins, etc., and its return to the heart.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 30 , Issue 190 , October 1926 , pp. 589 - 606
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1926

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References

Note on page 589 * In a doubly connected region it is possible to describe a path which cannot be closed on to itself. In two-dimensional motion a doubly connected region has two boundaries; likewise with multiply connected regions, in two dimensions an n-ply connected region has n boundaries.

Note on page 590 * The ideal condition is that the core is in uniform rotation, and that there is no discontinuity of motion between the core and the cyclic system at the boundary surface.

Note on page 593 * Horatio Phillips, who had observed this experimentally, gave an erroneous explanation in which the impact of the air on the dipping leading edge was supposed to throw the air up and so increase the suction effect, or more generally, the reaction on the aerofoil.

Note on page 593 † A fuller exposé will be found in the Author's “ Aerodynamics.”

Note on page 590 * Proceedings, Institution of Automobile Engineers, Volume IX, p. 169.

Note on page 605 * The Flying Machine from an Engineering Standpoint. Lanchester, Constable and Co., 1918. Appendix I.