AERODYNAMICS & AERONAUTICS A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site airfoil A structure shaped so as to produce an aerodynamic reaction – lift– at right-angles to its direction of motion. Familiar examples include the wings of an airplane or the Space Shuttle. Elevators, ailerons, tail-planes, and rudders are also airfoils. An airfoil has a leading edge, a trailing edge, a chord, and camber. The leading edge is the "front" of the airfoil – the portion that meets the air first. The trailing edge is the back of the airfoil – the place at which the airflow over the upper surface of the airfoil joins the airflow over the lower surface of the airfoil. The chord of an airfoil is the imaginary straight line drawn through the airfoil from its leading edge to its trailing edge. The direction of the air that is flowing past an airfoil relative to the path of flight is called the relative wind. The relative wind is always parallel and opposite in direction to the path of flight. Related category    • AERODYNAMICS AND AERONAUTICS Source: U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP