In teaching aerodynamics, what is the “Bernoulli Principle”?

The Bernoulli Principle is a fundamental concept in fluid dynamics that plays a crucial role in understanding how lift is generated on an aircraft wing. It states that an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure. This principle is particularly important in the context of aerodynamics because it explains how differences in airflow speed over the wings of an aircraft create differences in pressure.

As air moves over the curved top surface of a wing, it travels faster than the air moving along the flatter bottom surface. According to the Bernoulli Principle, the faster-moving air (over the top) has lower pressure than the slower-moving air (underneath). This difference in pressure generates an upward force on the wing, which is what we identify as lift.

Understanding this principle is essential in teaching aerodynamics because it provides a foundational explanation for how aircraft are able to fly, emphasizing the relationship between airflow speed and pressure. Thus, the Bernoulli Principle is integral to effective flight instruction and comprehension of how lift is achieved in aviation.