Aerofoils
An explanation of how a wing generates lift, and hence how aircraft fly.
Gideon Farrell
Duration: 2:26
Views: 151
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Hairdryer and Toilet Paper AerofoilOur film seeks to explain one of the most important aspects of heavier-than-air flight: the aerofoil. It does so by demonstrating a key idea behind it — Bernoulli’s principle — and showing how it works with a digital wind tunnel demonstration.
The Bernoulli experiment was demonstrated to us at the ‘Physics in action’ day of lectures at the Institute of Education in London.
This is a complex subject, handled confidently. There are several stages to the explanation, but the argument flows nicely. Great job.
The graphics sequence the team have done is extremely elegant and works very well with the chromakeyed presenters. Excellent work, especially on the sound — adding a little reverb is a subtle but brilliant touch.
If I’m nit-picking… well, I’ve never been quite convinced by this explanation of how a wing works. I don’t see any reason, for example, why the air traveling over the top has to meet up with the air that passed underneath. And if that’s the case… why does the air over the top move more quickly, again?
It turns out this is one of those things that people argue about incessantly, and also that many textbooks give what are, at best, incomplete explanations. A classic rant on the subject (which dates back almost as far as the web itself) can be found here.
So while I’d argue with the physics, this doesn’t reflect on the team. It’s an excellent film for provoking discussion, which is sometimes the most important thing.
Oh, and — genius out-takes. I’m usually against including them because they can look indulgent, but in this case they’re handled very well indeed.
— Jonathan.
This is really good, but I don't undersatnd why everyone in loads of videos are wearing shirts and ties...Anyway It was good. Is that his real hair?
JustAJudge, 11 Mar 2009
v. good everyone except that guy with hair
what an idiot.
eshan shah, 02 May 2008
hmmm...
Yazid Zakkah, 17 Feb 2008
This video makes me proud to be a professional aerofoilist!!
Nicky C., 08 Feb 2008
my fear of flying is now a little less! thank you! well done for a great film.
julie hadingham, 07 Feb 2008
very interesting and well presented
sacha armitage, 07 Feb 2008
the graphics are amazing, and the content is very interesting
lovely!!
gill solnick, 07 Feb 2008
very good one guys...keep it up. most interesting one on the site by far
Harry Readhead, 07 Feb 2008
i feel that it is a great presentation of such a potentially intricate subject. way to go guys. :)@=
James Levine, 07 Feb 2008
Informative and funny!! Wind tunnels r amazing!!
Nicky Clark, 07 Feb 2008
Quality piece of work, great info included and amazing production.
Dara A, 07 Feb 2008
I was always interested in aeroplanes, I love this film.
Adam Dangoor, 07 Feb 2008
A piece of genius, I have never understood aerofoils as much! 5 Stars guys!
Jonny W, 06 Feb 2008
wow incredible really funny and interesting at the same time
kevan patel, 06 Feb 2008
well done boys, i can now biuld the plane of my dreams.
Spizzle, 06 Feb 2008
excellent
rohini uppal, 06 Feb 2008