Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
Aerodynamics and Propulsion
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Aerodynamics and Propulsion
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Aviation And Aerospace Engineering
Class: SHS 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 3
Grade code: 2.1.2.LI.2
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 2.1.2.CS.2
Indicator code: 2.1.2.LI.2
Theme: Core Concepts in Aerospace Engineering
Subtheme: Aerodynamics and Propulsion
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
Welcome, future aviation professionals! Today, we delve into the fundamental forces that govern flight. Every time we see an aircraft from Africa World Airlines or PassionAir gracefully take off from Kotoka International Airport, it is engaged in a powerful balancing act against nature. This lesson will demystify three of the four primary forces of flight: Lift, Drag, and Weight. Understanding how to calculate these forces is not just an academic exercise; it is the foundation of safe and efficient aircraft design and operation. By mastering these calculations, you are taking your first step towards understanding the language of aerospace engineering.
To understand flight, we must first understand the forces acting on an aircraft. While there are four main forces (Lift, Weight, Thrust, Drag), our focus today is on calculating Lift, Drag, and Weight. A. Weight (W)
Weight is the force of gravity pulling the aircraft down towards the centre of the Earth. It is the simplest of the forces to calculate. Formula: Weight (W) = Mass (m) × Acceleration due to gravity (g) W is measured in Newtons (N). m is the total mass of the aircraft in kilograms (kg). g is the acceleration due to gravity, which we will approximate as 9.81 m/s².
The total mass of an aircraft is not constant. It is made up of three main components: Operating Empty Weight (OEW): The mass of the aircraft itself, including the crew, essential fluids (like engine oil, hydraulic fluid), and all standard equipment, but *without* passengers, cargo, or usable fuel. Payload: The mass of passengers, their baggage, and any cargo being transported. This is the part of the load that generates revenue for the airline. Fuel Weight: The mass of the fuel loaded for the flight. This decreases as the flight progresses.
The Takeoff Weight is the sum of these three components.