Kutta-Joukowsky Theorem

The result derived above, namely, $L=-\rho U_\infty \Gamma$ is a very general one and is valid for any closed body placed in a uniform stream. It is named the Kutta-Joukowsky theorem in honour of Kutta and Joukowsky who proved it independently in 1902 and 1906 respectively. The theorem finds considerable application in calculating lift around aerofoils. See Fig.4.37.

 

Figure 4.37: Kutta-Joukowski Theorem

(c) Aerospace, Mechanical & Mechatronic Engg. 2005
University of Sydney