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How do wings generate lift?

2. Myths, approximate theories and why they all work

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The triumphant vindication of bold theories — are these not the pride and justification of our life’s work?

Sherlock Holmes, The Valley of Fear

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Abstract

A cambered surface that is moving forward in a fluid generates lift. To explain this interesting fact in terms of simpler models, some preparatory concepts were discussed in the first part of this article. We also agreed on what is an acceptable explanation. Then some popular models were discussed. Some quantitative theories will be discussed in this concluding part. Finally we will tie up all these ideas together and connect them to the rigorous momentum theorem.

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Suggested Reading

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Correspondence to M. D. Deshpande.

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M D Deshpande is a Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences.

M Sivapragasam is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences.

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Deshpande, M.D., Sivapragasam, M. How do wings generate lift?. Reson 22, 135–147 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-017-0444-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-017-0444-7

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