Depth measures the amount of curvature or camber in an airfoil section. It is calculated as the longest perpendicular line drawn from the straight chord line (connecting the leading and trailing edges) to the upper or lower curved surface of the wing. Engineers use this measurement to determine the aerodynamic characteristics of the profile, as greater depth generally increases both lift and drag.
Heard on the job
We need to increase the depth of the airfoil section near the root to generate more low-speed lift.
Also heard as
- camber depth