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Theory Of Flight

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Theory Of Flight
Table of Contents
Aim 3
Introduction 3
Theory of Flight 3
History and Evolution of Flight
The Atmosphere 5
Humidity
Pressure
Density
Aerodynamics ……..…………………………..………………………………………………….........8-9
Lift, Drag, Thrust And Weight
Airflow Across An Aerofoil 10
Conclusion 11

AIM
My aim in this essay to discuss the theory of flight in physical terms with reference to the atmosphere and aerodynamic features of large passenger aircraft, with the use of relevant pictures, diagrams and sufficient referencing.

INTRODUCTION
In this essay I will discuss a brief history of flight and also its evolution through time. I will look into the different principles of flight and their respective origins. It is essential when discussing flight that we look into the atmosphere and its effect; also the aerodynamic features have been incorporated into aircraft design and their respective operation. I endeavor to explain how modern large passenger aircraft how evolved, the new features that have been developed and implemented to improve passenger safety and made flying one of the safest forms of transport today.

THEORY OF FLIGHT
History and Evolution of Flight
Throughout time man has always dreamt to conquer the sky. The history of flight stretches of hundreds if not thousands of years but for the purpose of this essay we will start with the first untethered human (lighter-than-air) flight.

Figure - A Hot Air Balloon designed by the Montgolfier Brothers
The first flight was recorded was in 1783; the Montgolfier Brothers had designed and built one of the first ever air balloons. Their maiden voyage in 1783 lasted almost eight minutes; they travelled over two miles at an altitude of 1,500ft, after which they landed safely. Air balloons though bringing a breakthrough in flight, eventually became very impractical and it was soon seen that they were also unreliable. It was almost a year later that



Bibliography: Wiki, 2011. International Standard Atmosphere. [Online] Available at: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/international_standard_atmosphere. Works, H.S., 2001. What is relative humidity and how does it affect how I feel outside? [Online] Available at: http://science.howstuffworks.com [Accessed 1 December 2012]. Anderson, J.D., 1999. A History Of Aerodynamics And It 's Impact On Flying Machines. 1st ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Barnard, R.H. & Philpott, D.R., 2004. Aircraft Flight. 3rd ed. Herts: Pearson - Prentice Hall. Laufer, B., 1928. The Curator of Anthropology. In The Prehistory Of Aviation. 1st ed. Chicago: Field Museum Press. pp.33-35. Reinbecker, E., 1999. Wright Brothers Foundation. [Online] Available at: www.wright-brothers.org. Word Count:

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