| | Q: | If the Bernoulli principle is only a small part of lift and is only significant in limited situations, wouldn't it be a much better approach to instead explain lift in terms of something that is always correct? For example, Newton's principles embodied in his 3 laws are as accessible to kids (actually much more so) than Bernoulli's principle, they are easily demonstrated, and wing lift can always be explained in terms of these principles. Pressure, force, lift, angle of attack, e.g., all make mores sense in light of Newton's 3 laws and is much more teachable as well.
As a teaching tool, I see little benefit in always pushing a principle that, while applicable under certain circumstances, avoids the reals reasons why most airplanes fly. All one has to do is look at the airfoil of a 747 or even the Wright Flyer and appeals to Bernoulli seem untenable.
-John Strong (age 43)
Lindenhurst, IL USA | | | A: | I tend to agree.
I wouldn't distinguish, however, between Newton's laws and the Bernoulli principle. The Bernoulli principle is one particular phenomenon with that framework. I think the real distinction you want to make is between the simple push provided by wind on a tilted surface and the more complicated Bernoulli effect. Both are plain Newtonian forces.
Mike W.
(published on 10/16/09) |
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