What variables determine the amount of lift produced by an airfoil?

The amount of lift produced by an airfoil is fundamentally governed by several key variables that directly affect the aerodynamic forces acting on it. The correct answer identifies true airspeed (TAS), air density (p), airfoil surface area (S), airfoil angle of attack, and camber as critical factors.

True airspeed is essential because it influences the kinetic energy of the airflow over the airfoil; as speed increases, lift also tends to increase due to a higher dynamic pressure. Air density plays a crucial role as well, since lift is directly proportional to the density of the air; denser air provides more weight to the air particles impacting the airfoil.

The surface area of the airfoil also significantly impacts lift generation. A larger surface area allows for more air to be pushed downwards, resulting in a greater lift force. The angle of attack, which is the angle between the chord line of the airfoil and the oncoming airflow, is vital because it affects how the airfoil interacts with the flow, enabling it to produce more lift up to a certain critical point.

Camber, or the curvature of the airfoil, affects the distribution of airflow over the airfoil and contributes to improved lift characteristics. A well-designed camber can