Quote:
Originally Posted by winkosmosis
The wing creates lift by directing air downward, along the top and bottom surfaces. That's what creates the pressure differential between top and bottom (Bernoulli effect is only a minor factor). To do that, the top of the wing has to be curved gently enough that flow stays attached. That's why the top of a wing is rounder than the bottom, and the front edge is rounded.
The aerofoil shape is made to be as aerodynamic as possible within the operating range of the wing, so it's a good design to copy.
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It is incorrect to say that "wings create lift by directing air downward." Wings create lift by using Bernoulli's principle. Check wikipedia for a detailed explanation on how it works. Some aircraft can use deflection (that which you describe) but it takes a huge amount of energy and is not practical for sustained flight in conventional aircraft.
You are correct in saying that flow should stay attached to the top of the wing. Otherwise you get a "stall" and the wing loses lift.
The bottom of a wing is not "rounded." It is flat. Bernoulli's principle explains why it is flat.
Randy