Explain why do airplanes fly by creating vortexes of air?

In short (click here for detailed version)

Airplanes create vortices in the air while flying due to the difference in pressure between the upper and lower parts of their wings, thus creating lift that keeps the airplane in the air.

Explain why do airplanes fly by creating vortexes of air?
In detail, for those interested!

First reason: Newton's third law of motion

When an airplane is flying, it is subject to the fundamental laws of physics, including Newton's famous principle of action and reaction. This principle states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In other words, when the airplane's wings push the air downwards (action), the air reacts by pushing the airplane upwards (reaction). This creates the lift force that allows the airplane to stay in the air.

The phenomenon of lift is essential for keeping an airplane in flight. When the air is diverted downwards by the shape of the wings, it creates a difference in pressure between the upper and lower part of the wing. This pressure difference generates an upward force that supports the airplane in the air. Therefore, Newton's principle of action and reaction plays a crucial role in an airplane's ability to fly by generating the necessary lift to overcome gravity and stay airborne.

Second reason: Wing profile and air pressure

When an airplane is flying, the profile of its wings plays a crucial role in generating lift. The wing profile is designed in such a way as to create a difference in pressure between its upper and lower parts. In fact, a typical profile is designed so that the distance from the upper part of the wing is longer than the distance from its lower part, which leads to a higher air speed above the wing compared to below. This difference in speeds creates a difference in pressure, thus creating an overall upward force called lift. It is this lift that allows the airplane to rise into the air despite its mass.

Third reason: Wake effect and air speed

When an airplane moves through the air, it creates a wake behind it. This wake effect is due to the speed of the air generated by the airplane's engines. When the air is disturbed by the airplane, vortices are created which propagate in its wake. These vortices can affect other airplanes following the same path, by altering the speed and direction of the air around them. This can lead to turbulence and changes in the flight path of following airplanes, requiring a certain distance of separation between aircraft to avoid harmful interactions.

Fourth reason: Lift and drag phenomenon

The lift of an aircraft is generated by the difference in pressure between the upper and lower surface of the wing. The air moving faster on top creates a low-pressure area, while on the bottom, the pressure is higher. This difference in pressure produces an upward force, called lift, which allows the aircraft to fly.

However, lift is not the only force at play when an aircraft is flying. Drag is a resistance force to the forward motion of the aircraft in the air. It is caused by the friction between the aircraft and the air, as well as the air vortices generated by the wing and other parts of the aircraft.

To minimize drag, aircraft designers seek to optimize the shape of the aircraft and components such as wings, engines, and landing gear. By reducing drag, the aircraft can fly more efficiently, consuming less fuel and reaching higher speeds.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1

How does lift force enable an airplane to fly?

Lift force is generated by the difference in pressure between the top and bottom of the wing, which lifts the airplane into the air.

2

What is the impact of the air swirls behind the wings of an airplane?

The air vortices behind the wings contribute to drag, but they can also be used by other aircraft for formation flying.

3

Why is airspeed essential for the lift of an airplane?

A high airspeed above the wing creates a low pressure, thus generating a significant upward force to keep the plane flying.

4

Why is the aerodynamic profile of a wing important for the flight of an airplane?

The wing profile is designed to maximize lift and minimize drag by manipulating the airflow around the wing.

5

How do pilots control the direction and altitude of an airplane in flight?

Pilots use aeronautical controls to modify the angle of attack of the wing and thus adjust lift and drag, which influences the direction and altitude of the plane.

Natural Sciences : Physics

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