Pronunciation: [swˈiːp ˈaŋɡə͡l] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "sweep angle" is /swiːp ˈæŋɡl/. The first syllable "sweep" is pronounced as /swiːp/, which rhymes with "deep". The second syllable "angle" is pronounced as /ˈæŋɡl/, which starts with the "a" sound as in "hat" and ends with the "gl" sound as in "juggle". The term "sweep angle" is commonly used in aviation and refers to the angle between the wing chord line and the lateral axis of the aircraft.
Sweep angle refers to a characteristic of an object or structure, typically associated with aerodynamics, which describes the angle at which the object's leading edge or surface is inclined backwards from its perpendicular position. It is measured by the angle formed between the object's centerline and a reference line perpendicular to the flow direction.
In the context of aerodynamics, sweep angle is particularly relevant for objects that experience airflow or fluid flow, such as aircraft wings or hydrofoils. When an object possesses a sweep angle, the air or fluid encounters a more oblique surface as it flows past the object, altering the aerodynamic forces acting upon it. This reduction in the force perpendicular to the direction of flow, known as lift or drag, plays a vital role in achieving desirable flight characteristics and a stable design.
Sweep angles can vary significantly depending on the intended application, with different angles producing varying effects. For example, a higher sweep angle is often employed in supersonic aircraft to mitigate shock waves and achieve higher speeds. On the other hand, a lower sweep angle may be used for improved maneuverability or stability in subsonic or slower speed craft.
Overall, sweep angle is a crucial parameter in aerodynamics, influencing lift, drag, stability, efficiency, and performance of objects interacting with fluid flows, and its optimization helps engineers achieve effective designs across a range of applications.
The word "sweep angle" originated from the field of aviation and is derived from the verb "sweep", which means to move or pass swiftly through space. The term specifically refers to the angle at which the wings of an aircraft are inclined backward or forward from their root to the tip. This design feature, known as the sweep angle, affects the aerodynamic characteristics and performance of the aircraft. The word "sweep" in this context suggests the swift movement through the air that the wings achieve.
