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Asked by gemmab347 to Cathy, Mark, Roma, Rory on 26 Jun 2014.
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Rory Hadden answered on 26 Jun 2014:
This is a very good question and there are actually still some different theories. The main one relies on the shape of the wing. This is generally shaped so that the top side of the wing is longer than the bottom side of the wing. Since the plane is flying at a constant speed, the air has to flow further on the top of the wing than the bottom. This means that the air on the top is moving faster than the air on the bottom of the wing. A fast moving fluid is a lower pressure than a slow moving fluid. therefore the pressure at the top of the wing is less than below. This pressure difference results in an upward force on the wing which we call lift. That lets the plane fly.
Like I say this is a smile version of a very complicated phenomenon. I’m afraid I do not understand all the others very well at all! I am always amazed when I see a massive plane take off – it looks almost impossible. But thats the power of engineering – making what was previously though impossible, possible!
Rory
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Cathy Fraser answered on 26 Jun 2014:
Hi Gemma
I’m afraid that’s not something I know – although Rory’s reply looks pretty comprehensive!
My understanding was that the engines are there to provide the forward force, and then it’s balacing out things like gravity and the shape of the wings for lift. Lots of engineering there – and a good helping of maths too!
Aeronautical engineers build planes and plane parts – perhaps it’s something you’d be interested in doing?
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Roma Agrawal answered on 26 Jun 2014:
Rory and Cathy have this down- its a combination of the jets giving the plane energy to move forward through the air, and its shape allowing the air to push it upwards. Scary huh!
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Mark Greaves answered on 27 Jun 2014:
Hi Gemma,
My fellow engineers appear to have this covered – although lets not forget the standard propellor driven planes.
Flight is a fine example of physics combined with engineering.
Mark
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