Atmospheric pressure and lift

[LethalDose]

Hey all,

Is there any relationship between atmospheric density and lift generated by a surface at a given speed? Obviously, no atmosphere = no lift, so it makes sense that increased atmospheric density leads to increased lift; But is the relationship linear? Does it reach a limit?

I'm thinking about attempting to build an eve lander that uses controlled flight and I'm curious how expect it's flight characteristics will change between Kerbin's atmosphere and Eve's.

Any feedback is appreciated, thanks!

[RSwordsman]

As far as I know, yes. The higher the atmospheric density, the more pronounced are all aerodynamic effects. There might be a sort of butter-zone, however, because if the atmosphere is TOO dense, drag will overcome any other beneficial properties. If I had to come up with a curve for flight efficiency, I'd say it starts out as a dramatic increase, which then slows down exponentially as density increases.

[bsalis]

Yes. All else being equal, higher pressure/density will increase lift. Both in game and RL.

However as RSwordsman pointed out, there is more drag too. So increased parasitic drag will probably make the glide distance worse.

[LethalDose]

The drag isn't a problem, in fact I'm counting on it. I'd like to glide to have some control over the where the lander comes down and increase the time in the atmosphere to shed velocity without a burn. Not sure if I'll take the aerodynamic sections back with me.

[numerobis]

Lift and drag are both linear in air pressure. Lift is linear in speed, whereas drag is quadratic. As air pressure increases, you fly slower, which means your lift:drag ratio improves.

[LethalDose]

Lift and drag are both linear in air pressure. Lift is linear in speed, whereas drag is quadratic. As air pressure increases, you fly slower, which means your lift:drag ratio improves.

This is EXACTLY the kind of answer I needed. Thanks!!!