What term describes the amount of curvature in an airfoil?

Camber is the correct term that describes the amount of curvature in an airfoil. In aerodynamics, camber refers to the asymmetrical shape of the airfoil, which affects its lift characteristics. A cambered airfoil has a curved upper surface and a flatter lower surface, which helps to create a pressure difference above and below the wing when air flows over it. This pressure difference is crucial for generating lift during flight.

Understanding camber is vital for evaluating an airfoil’s performance, as different camber profiles can significantly influence the lift-to-drag ratio and the stall characteristics. In practical applications, designers manipulate the camber to optimize the airfoil for specific flight conditions, enhancing overall aircraft efficiency.

Other terms such as chord, aerofoil, and airfoil angle refer to different aspects of airfoil design or performance. Chord refers to the straight line connecting the leading and trailing edges of the airfoil, while aerofoil (or airfoil) is a general term for the shape designed to achieve lift. The airfoil angle refers to the angle of attack, which is the angle between the chord line and the oncoming airflow. However, none of these terms directly relate to the concept of curvature like camber does.