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Why do condensation clouds form on the wing?
During the landing phase, the angle of attack of the aircraft is higher compared to to other regimes. This is the reason condensation clouds are formed during the landing phase. However, the clouds are formed during any subsonic maneuver that reduced pressure over the upper surface of the wings, like high-g turns.
What causes water to evaporate on a wing?
Once the air has passed over the wing, the pressure eventually returns to normal, along with the temperature, causing the water to evaporate again. The small “contrails” that form are from a similar effect. At locations such as the edges of flaps, a vortex is formed.
What causes condensation to form at the edges of flaps?
At locations such as the edges of flaps, a vortex is formed. This is a section of tightly spinning air. Similar to the wings, the acceleration of the air lowers its temperature and pressure, causing the condensation to form in the air. The vortex will eventually dissipate, and the condensation evaporates.
What causes small contrails to form on a wing?
The water vapor condenses in the air, with the effect that you noticed. Once the air has passed over the wing, the pressure eventually returns to normal, along with the temperature, causing the water to evaporate again. The small “contrails” that form are from a similar effect. At locations such as the edges of flaps, a vortex is formed.
What causes condensation on the top of a fighter jet?
The pressure is lower on top of the wings, and more so when the fighter is pulling Gs. A pressure drop is accompanied by a temperature drop. If that temperature drop reduces the temperature of the air to below the dewpoint, the moisture in the air will condensate.
Why does a pressure drop cause condensation in the air?
A pressure drop is accompanied by a temperature drop. If that temperature drop reduces the temperature of the air to below the dewpoint, the moisture in the air will condensate. High-humidity conditions are not required, but a small temperature-dewpoint span will be beneficial to the creation of condensation.