
A cambered aerofoil generates no lift when it is moving parallel to an axis called the zero-lift axis (or the zero-lift line.) When the
angle of attack on an aerofoil is measured relative to the zero-lift axis it is true to say the
lift coefficient
In fluid dynamics, the lift coefficient () is a dimensionless quantity that relates the lift generated by a lifting body to the fluid density around the body, the fluid velocity and an associated reference area. A lifting body is a foil or a co ...
is zero when the angle of attack is zero. For this reason, on a cambered aerofoil the zero-lift line is better than the chord line when describing the angle of attack.
When symmetric
aerofoils are moving parallel to the
chord line of the aerofoil, zero
lift is generated. However, when
cambered aerofoils are moving parallel to the chord line, lift is generated. (See diagram at right.) For symmetric aerofoils, the chord line and the zero lift line are the same.
[Clancy, L.J., ''Aerodynamics'', paragraph 5.7(a)]
See also
*
Angle of attack
*
Aerobatics
Aerobatics is the practice of flying maneuvers involving aircraft attitudes that are not used in conventional passenger-carrying flights. The term is a portmanteau of "aeroplane" and "acrobatics". Aerobatics are performed in aeroplanes and gl ...
*
Aerobatic maneuver
Aerobatic maneuvers are flight paths putting aircraft in unusual attitudes, in air shows, dogfights or competition aerobatics. Aerobatics can be performed by a single aircraft or in Formation flying, formation with several others. Nearly all a ...
References
*Anderson, John D. Jr (2005), ''Introduction to Flight'', Section 7.4 (fifth edition), McGraw-Hill
*
L. J. Clancy (1975), ''Aerodynamics'', Sections 5.6 and 5.7, Pitman Publishing, London.
*Kermode, A.C. (1972), ''Mechanics of Flight'', Chapter 3, (p. 76, eighth edition), Pitman Publishing
Notes
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Aerodynamics
Aerospace engineering
Aircraft manufacturing
Aircraft wing design