Aerodynamics & Flight Physics
Flight begins where pressure gradients meet viscosity. Lift is not an abstract formula — it is the net downward momentum transfer of thousands of kilograms of atmospheric air per second, governed by Navier-Stokes boundary layer dynamics and circulation theory.
Dynamic Aerodynamic Equilibrium Sandbox
Manipulate boundary parameters in real-time to compute the instantaneous aerodynamic envelope, accelerated stall boundaries, $G$-load factor, and climb gradients.
Notice how steep turns (e.g. 60° bank) double the load factor (2.0 G) and drive accelerated stall speed from 48 kts to 68 kts regardless of aircraft gross weight.
Bernoulli vs. Newtonian Synthesis
Neither Bernoulli’s pressure difference nor Newton’s third law provides a complete explanation alone. Lift arises from bound vortex circulation ($\Gamma$) turning the oncoming streamline downward (downwash), creating a low-pressure suction peak above the upper surface.
Induced vs. Parasite Drag
Induced drag (Di) is the cost of generating lift, inversely proportional to the square of airspeed (1/V²). Parasite drag (Dp) increases with velocity squared (V²). The minimum point on the total drag curve defines (L/D)max and maximum glide range.
Boundary Layer Separation
As angle of attack exceeds critical threshold (α_crit ≈ 16°), adverse pressure gradient forces the thin boundary layer to detach from the wing skin, creating turbulent wake vortices and catastrophic lift decay.