Camber - Definition and Overview

Camber has slightly different meanings in different technical fields.

• See camber angle for the use of the term in automobile technology

• In aeronautical engineering camber is the asymmetry between the top and the bottom curves of an aerofoil. Cambered aerofoils generate lift at positive, zero, or even small negative angle of attack, whereas a symmetric aerofoil only has lift at positive angles of attack.

• In road construction camber is a measure of the convex curvature of a road.

• In architecture and building construction camber is an upward curvature of the a joist or joist girder intended to compensate for deflection due to loading conditions.

• Camber is also the name of a prominent character in the fictional series of Deryni novels.