Angle of attack Formula

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Angle of Attack is the angle between a reference line on a body and the vector representing the relative motion between the body and the fluid through which it is moving. Check FAQs
α=atan(wu)
α - Angle of Attack?w - Velocity Along Yaw Axis?u - Velocity Along Roll Axis?

Angle of attack Example

With values
With units
Only example

Here is how the Angle of attack equation looks like with Values.

Here is how the Angle of attack equation looks like with Units.

Here is how the Angle of attack equation looks like.

1.3479Edit=atan(0.4Edit17Edit)
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Angle of attack Solution

Follow our step by step solution on how to calculate Angle of attack?

FIRST Step Consider the formula
α=atan(wu)
Next Step Substitute values of Variables
α=atan(0.4m/s17m/s)
Next Step Prepare to Evaluate
α=atan(0.417)
Next Step Evaluate
α=0.0235250709852169rad
Next Step Convert to Output's Unit
α=1.34788728019885°
LAST Step Rounding Answer
α=1.3479°

Angle of attack Formula Elements

Variables
Functions
Angle of Attack
Angle of Attack is the angle between a reference line on a body and the vector representing the relative motion between the body and the fluid through which it is moving.
Symbol: α
Measurement: AngleUnit: °
Note: Value can be positive or negative.
Velocity Along Yaw Axis
Velocity Along Yaw Axis is the component of velocity along the yaw axis of the aircraft.
Symbol: w
Measurement: SpeedUnit: m/s
Note: Value can be positive or negative.
Velocity Along Roll Axis
Velocity Along Roll Axis is the component of velocity along the roll axis of the aircraft.
Symbol: u
Measurement: SpeedUnit: m/s
Note: Value can be positive or negative.
tan
The tangent of an angle is a trigonometric ratio of the length of the side opposite an angle to the length of the side adjacent to an angle in a right triangle.
Syntax: tan(Angle)
atan
Inverse tan is used to calculate the angle by applying the tangent ratio of the angle, which is the opposite side divided by the adjacent side of the right triangle.
Syntax: atan(Number)

Other formulas in Aircraft Dynamics Nomenclature category

​Go Aerodynamic Axial Force
X=CxqS
​Go Aerodynamic Side Force
Y=CyqS
​Go Aerodynamic Normal Force
Z=CzqS
​Go Side force coefficient
Cy=YqS

How to Evaluate Angle of attack?

Angle of attack evaluator uses Angle of Attack = atan(Velocity Along Yaw Axis/Velocity Along Roll Axis) to evaluate the Angle of Attack, Angle of Attack is a measure of the angle between the oncoming airflow and the direction of motion of an object, such as an airfoil or wing, which affects the lift and drag forces acting on the object. Angle of Attack is denoted by α symbol.

How to evaluate Angle of attack using this online evaluator? To use this online evaluator for Angle of attack, enter Velocity Along Yaw Axis (w) & Velocity Along Roll Axis (u) and hit the calculate button.

FAQs on Angle of attack

What is the formula to find Angle of attack?
The formula of Angle of attack is expressed as Angle of Attack = atan(Velocity Along Yaw Axis/Velocity Along Roll Axis). Here is an example- 77.22825 = atan(0.4/17).
How to calculate Angle of attack?
With Velocity Along Yaw Axis (w) & Velocity Along Roll Axis (u) we can find Angle of attack using the formula - Angle of Attack = atan(Velocity Along Yaw Axis/Velocity Along Roll Axis). This formula also uses Tangent (tan), Inverse Tan (atan) function(s).
Can the Angle of attack be negative?
Yes, the Angle of attack, measured in Angle can be negative.
Which unit is used to measure Angle of attack?
Angle of attack is usually measured using the Degree[°] for Angle. Radian[°], Minute[°], Second[°] are the few other units in which Angle of attack can be measured.
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