HOW AN AIRPLANE FLIES: LIFT and FORCES IN BALANCE (1949)

Synopsis

These 1949 Shell Oil produced educational films are one of a series of six that presents basic information about "How An Airplane Flies". Two are presented here. The first discusses the physical forces of air, atmospheric pressure, and how lift is created. The second (starting at 5:44 ) is entitled "Forces in Balance". Both films uses a series of simple experiments and demonstrations with household and laboratory equipment, as well as animation and live action footage, to demonstrate how the increased flow of air over the top of the wing causes lift. The film explains how airplanes fly by examining the behavior of air, which acts similarly to water. It introduces the concept of lift, the upward force that supports an aircraft, which is generated by the airflow over and under the wings. When a wing moves through air, the air flows faster over the curved top surface than the flatter underside, reducing pressure on top and creating lift. This principle is demonstrated using Venturi tubes, pressure gauges, and water flow models to visualize how faster airflow results in lower pressure. The angle of the wing, or angle of attack, also affects lift—greater angles increase lift up to a point, but beyond a certain angle (called the stalling angle), smooth airflow breaks down, lift decreases, and the aircraft can no longer stay aloft. In summary, flight depends on the wing's shape, angle, and mov 0:40 – The video introduces the concept that airplanes fly through an "ocean of air," and…

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Details

Running time

12 minutes

Language

English

Collection

Ephemeral Films

Subjects on the Internet Archive

• Stock Footage