Page 43 - Beginner's Guide to Aviation

THEORY OF FLIGHT
An aircraft is capable of controlled flight with Lift and Drag. As we learnt from parts of an aircraft the wing has several different components to control these 2 forces. The aerofoil is the cross-sectional shape of a wing and these are the main features of an aerofoil.
Main features of an aerofoil
Location of Maximum thickness
Maximum thickness
Leading edge
Location of Maximum camber
Maximum camber
Chord line
Mean-camber line
Chord
Trailing edge
The chord is characteristic dimension of the aerofoil represented by the chord line which is a straight line joining the leading edge and trailing edge of the aerofoil.
The thickness and thickness distribution of an aerofoil are defined by the maximum thickness and its ocation. The maximum thickness and its location are expressed as fractions or percentages of the chord.
FUN FACT:
slats are located on the leading edge of a aerofoil while flaps and ailerons are located at the trailing edge of a aerofoil.
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Upper surface
Lower surface