What happens to lift as the angle of attack is increased up to 16 degrees?

As the angle of attack is increased up to about 16 degrees, the lift generated by an airfoil increases, following an approximately linear relationship within that range. This relationship occurs because a higher angle of attack allows the airfoil to deflect more airflow downward, enhancing the differential pressure above and below the wing, which is fundamental to generating lift. The increase in lift continues until it approaches the critical angle, beyond which the flow may start to separate, leading to stall.

This concept is pivotal in aerodynamics, as pilots and engineers use it to optimize performance during flight, especially during maneuvers that require varying levels of lift. Understanding this relationship assists in effective aircraft operation and safety measures, especially when flying closer to the limits of the aircraft's capabilities. The notion of maintaining lift until a certain point underscores the importance of recognizing how lift behaves as flight conditions change.