Dick74

Thanks Marc, The references you have given should give me a basis for understanding or explaining my impression. I have a problem in that I can not accept anything that does not fit in with everything else that I know and have experienced. I will review, study and analyze the info and report back.

I have checked out the site, http://www.av8n.com/how/htm/airfoils.html, suggested by Marc. On the site I have a problem with the basis for the placement of streamlines and the downstream end condition. I can not understand how either can be proved. It appears to be a flawed concept.

Thanks for the comments. I am interest in understanding lift so I can better develope my concept of a canard amphibian, similar to Peter Van Dyne's Merganser, that is cheap and can be kept in my one car garage. I currently am working on the details. I get particularly upset when experts promote ideas that can not be proved and supported with the accepted laws of nature, hense my question. I will look at the Homebuilt forum for a place to start my discussion. If I am wrong then I would like to be shown the errors in my thinking. Craig K., Can you give me a source for information on the Newtonian concepts of lift that you mentioned? I would like to check them out.

Where is the best place to post a question/challenge concerning the frequently published theory about wing lift due to the increase in the air velocity over the upper airfoil surface. Would it be on this Forum? If so, which category?

I have a number of points for consideration: (assume steady state) 1. Everything written in a book is not necessarilly true. 2. Conventional wisdom can be wrong, e.g. Why an airfoil lifts. 3. Efficiency is job accomplished over effort expended. 4. Flying is lifting and propelling an aircraft. 5. Factors are Weight, Speed, Drag, and Power. 6. For comparison, Weight, and Power for each design would be equal. 7. Therefore, the fastest design would have the least Drag; is most efficient. 8. In general, Drag is proportional to Lift. 9. Conventional aircraft: Lift = wing lift - tail lift. 10. Canard aircraft: Lift = wing lift + canard lift. 11. Since canard lifts add, less area is needed. 12. Less area means less drag which = more efficiency. 13. Why do geese fly in a V formation? 14. The downward wing stroke produces a pressure bubble. 15. The bird following is lifted by the pressure bubble, e.g. ground effect. 16. Less effort is required to maintain speed and altitude. 17. I think tandem wings can be beneficial.