aerodynamic lift
Wing-generated upward pressure
Aerodynamic lift is the upward force generated when air flows over a curved surface like an airplane wing.
The wing's shape creates lower pressure above and higher pressure below, pushing the aircraft upward.
Lift opposes gravity and makes flight possible: The plane gained lift as it accelerated down the runway.
The principle applies to helicopter rotors, bird wings, and racing car spoilers—though spoilers generate downward lift to press the vehicle against the road.
- airGaseous envelope surrounding Earth
- air pressureAtmospheric weight per area
- riseMove to higher position
- wingLimb enabling flight
- streamlinesMakes more efficient
ground effect · parafoil · boundary layer · Bernoulli's principle · angle of attack · stall speed · downwash · Newton's third law · ornithopter · flight · flying high · soar · Wright brothers · camber · kite · paper airplane · ascent · pressure