RE:[Paddlewise] Paddle cross sections

From: Peter Treby <ptreby_at_ozemail.com.au>
Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2007 11:20:58 +1100
> Why is it sometimes said that a Greenland padde which is
> symmetrical in cross section will generate lift. Isn't the flow over
> each side of the blade the same when sliced sideways?

"Only if the angle of attack is zero degrees.  Any airfoil will generate
lift if it has a positive angle of attack."
Thanks Dave, and for the Wikipedia reference, which I have now had a chance
to read.
Sticking point (punny about that) in my mind is that an airfoil is
assymetric in section, and a greenland paddle is symmetric. So why would a
GP act like an airfoil and generate lift in a direction away from the back
of the blade? Or is that not what is meant when a GP is said to generate
lift? I understand a wing paddle, which is a foil, generating lift away from
the back of the blade, but a GP?
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Received on Tue Dec 04 2007 - 16:20:49 PST

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