Aero Design Series – Airfoils – Part 3: Interpreting Cl and Cd

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In the first 2 videos about airfoils we have imported airfoil curves into SolidWorks from airfoiltools.com. In the 3rd and 4th videos in the series of 4 we delve into physical interpretations of the performance parameters of airfoils. In this video we’ll deal with the coefficients of lift and drag Cl and Cd. Keep an eye out for the 4th video which deals with the most confusing performance parameter: coefficient of moment Cm. With this knowledge, you can choose the best airfoils and angles of incidence for the wings and stabilizers of your airplane.

Matthew Gruber

Matthew Gruber is an alumni of Concordia University's Aero Design and Design/Build/Fly teams in 2015 through 2017, having joined after gaining an interest in helicopters and airplanes from living in Alaska. Now is in his 3rd year in the airframe stress group of the 525 helicopter program at Bell and with 1 year of internships at Bombardier behind him, he credits the hands-on learning and team project experiences in SAE and D/B/F as the most formative in his path towards aerospace engineering. Being able to create in programs like SolidWorks and then to build into realization is one of the most rewarding aspects of engineering. In his spare time, Matt likes backcountry snowboarding with his family dogs, bicycling for commuting, mountain trails and touring, looking for music and hanging out with friends and family. For fun, for practice, and for a connection with the education and University communities and you the students, Matt is stoked to bring you these aero design video series.