Critical Angle

Critical angle can refer to:

  • Critical angle (optics) the angle of incidence above which total internal reflection occurs
  • Critical angle of attack, in aerodynamics; the angle of attack which produces the maximum lift coefficient
  • Critical angle of repose, in engineering; the steepest angle of descent of a slope when the material is on the verge of sliding

Famous quotes containing the words critical and/or angle:

    The critical spirit never knows when to stop meddling.
    Mason Cooley (b. 1927)

    I fly in dreams, I know it is my privilege, I do not recall a single situation in dreams when I was unable to fly. To execute every sort of curve and angle with a light impulse, a flying mathematics—that is so distinct a happiness that it has permanently suffused my basic sense of happiness.
    Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)