The airflow over the wing increases its speed causing a reduction in pressure; this generates a force (lift) perpendicular to the chord of the aerofoil. The airflow below the wing moves much more slowly generating greater pressure and less or negative lift. See the article Bernoulli's Principle for further information.
The
distance between a wing root and wing tip is the length of the wing. Wingspan is
the distance from one wing tip to the other wing tip. The ratio of wing length
to chord is called the aspect ratio. The amount of lift and drag generated by
an aerofoil depends on its shape (camber),
surface area, angle of attack,
air density and speed through the air.
The objective of aerofoil design is to achieve the best compromise between lift and drag for the flight envelope in which it is intended to operate. Aerofoil surfaces include wings, tail-planes, fins, winglets, propeller blades and helicopter rotor blades. Control surfaces (e.g. ailerons, elevators and rudders) are shaped to contribute to the overall aerofoil section of the wing or empennage.
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