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Engineering · L4 · Lift generation and stall as angle of attack increases

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How lift coefficient rises with angle of attack up to a critical point, then drops sharply at stall.

by @openstemUpdated Engineering
Airfoil at angle of attack αα small?C_L rises ~linearlyC_L ≈ C_L0 + (2π)·αIncrease α furtherα exceedscritical angle?Boundary layer separatesfrom upper surfaceStall:C_L drops sharplyC_D risesTotal drag = skin friction+ form + induced (+ wave)L/D peaks below stall angle— cruise flown near this optimumYesNoYes

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