Dimensional Analysis on Lift Equation not working out?

[aviationluver]

Hello,

I am showing that the equation for lift on a wing is
L=1/2 Cl (air density) (Area of Wing) Velocity^2

However, the dimensions aren't working out.

L is kg ; Cl is dimensionless; Air density is kg/m^3; Area is m^2; Velocity is m/s

If you work the dimensions it does not work out. You get L in kg and kg m on the other side.

What am I missing?

Thanks.

[infrequentflyer789]

Originally Posted by aviationluver

Hello,

I am showing that the equation for lift on a wing is
L=1/2 Cl (air density) (Area of Wing) Velocity^2

However, the dimensions aren't working out.

L is kg ; Cl is dimensionless; Air density is kg/m^3; Area is m^2; Velocity is m/s

If you work the dimensions it does not work out. You get L in kg and kg m on the other side.

What am I missing?

Thanks.

First you are missing (1/s)^2 from the velocity term, this gives kg*m /s^2

Second, you are missing that lift is a force so it is in Newtons which is also (e.g. from F=ma) = kg*m/s^2

Sorry you didn't discover new physics, maybe next time

[aviationluver]

Just realized that. No need for the insult.

[Derfred]

Originally Posted by aviationluver

No need for the insult.

Is this the new generation of pilots?

I need to start sorting out my affairs.

[FakePilot]

Originally Posted by infrequentflyer789

First you are missing (1/s)^2 from the velocity term, this gives kg*m /s^2

Second, you are missing that lift is a force so it is in Newtons which is also (e.g. from F=ma) = kg*m/s^2

Sorry you didn't discover new physics, maybe next time

I get the joke, like "new math".

[VintageEngineer]

To add to the tongue-in-cheek ‘new physics’, I’m glad Newton got there first. Imagine force’s being measured in Aviationluvers or Infrequentflyer789s

[Vessbot]

I had this one landing last trip that I think was because of New Physics...

[Chris Scott]

Originally Posted by VintageEngineer

...Imagine force’s being measured in Aviationluvers or Infrequentflyer789s

Didn't realise Newton was a grocer...

[Crabman]

Not sure if he was a grocer but I always think of apple's when I think of Newton.

Back to topic, the OP isn't the first person to have a "brain fart" and mix up mass and force in an equation.

[India Four Two]

I was confused when I was first saw that the dimensions of a force are M.L.T^-2

However, it’s obvious when you look at F = m.a