Why do we invert the (y) axis in the pressure distribution plot?

Question

Because the pressure spike is otherwise not clearly visible

Because otherwise the flow over the top side of the airfoil is at the bottom of the graph and vice versa

To visualise any adverse pressure gradient

None of the above

Answer 1

The correct reasoning for inverting the (y) axis in pressure distribution plots is primarily:

Because otherwise the flow over the top side of the airfoil is at the bottom of the graph and vice versa.

In fluid mechanics, lower pressure values are typically associated with higher velocities due to Bernoulli's principle, which occurs over the top surface of an airfoil. By inverting the y-axis, the pressure drops over the airfoil's upper surface are shown higher on the graph, making it easier to visualize the pressure distribution in relation to the airflow over the airfoil.