power curve
Output versus input
A power curve is a graph showing how power output or consumption changes across a range of conditions—typically plotting engine power against speed, or wind turbine output against wind velocity.
In aviation, the power curve shows the relationship between airspeed and power required, with the dangerous "back side of the power curve" referring to slow speeds where adding power counterintuitively worsens performance.
Figuratively, to be ahead of the power curve means staying on top of demands before they overwhelm you, while behind the power curve suggests falling dangerously behind.
- performanceCarrying out a task
- peak performanceHighest level of functioning
- torqueRotational force measurement
- thrustForceful forward motion
- aerodynamicsPhysics of air motion
wind tunnel · drag coefficient · efficiency · horsepower · RPM · acceleration · full throttle · drag · lift · engine · turbine · propeller · climb · speed · output · throttle · boost · peak
power curveflat line
Absence of vital signs
linear function · straight line · horizontal line · step function
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