Camber definition
Camber is the characteristic curve of an airfoil’s upper and lower surfaces, which measures the degree of asymmetry between them. The camber is the degree of convexity, or the amount of curve, of an airfoil that causes the velocity of the airflow immediately above the wing to be much higher than that below the wing. This results in lift being generated, which is necessary for an aircraft to take off and stay airborne.
The upper camber of an airfoil is more pronounced than the lower camber, which is comparatively flat. This asymmetry is important because it creates different pressure conditions above and below the wing, resulting in the generation of lift. The amount of camber that an airfoil has determines how much lift it can generate at different angles of attack and speeds.
In summary, camber is a critical parameter in the design and performance of an airfoil, as it plays a significant role in determining the amount of lift that an aircraft can generate. By adjusting the camber of an airfoil, aircraft designers can tailor its performance for specific flight conditions, such as takeoff, cruising, or landing.
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