Page 73 - Understanding Flight

CH03_Anderson 7/25/01 8:56 AM Page 60

60 CHAPTER THREE

Separation point

Separation point

Fig. 3.1. Flow separating from two different airfoils.

Blunt
leading edge

Sharp
leading edge
Lift 1

5 10 15 20
Effective Angle of Attack (degrees)

Fig. 3.2. The effect of leading edge shape on stall characteristics.