Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics (pronounced: air-o-dy-nam-ics) is the study of how gases interact with moving bodies. Because the gas that we encounter most is air, aerodynamics is primarily concerned with the forces of drag and lift, which are caused by air passing over and around solid bodies.
Etymology
The term "aerodynamics" is derived from two Greek words: "aero," meaning air, and "dynamikos," meaning powerful. Together, they signify the study of the motion of air and how it interacts with objects in motion.
Related Terms
- Fluid dynamics: This is the branch of physics that studies the mechanics of fluid (either liquid or gas) flow. Aerodynamics is a sub-discipline of fluid dynamics.
- Drag (physics): In aerodynamics, drag refers to forces that oppose the relative motion of an object through a fluid (in this case, air).
- Lift (force): In the context of aerodynamics, lift is the force that directly opposes the weight of an airplane and holds the airplane in the air.
- Bernoulli's principle: This principle is crucial in understanding how lift is created in aerodynamics.
- Airfoil: An airfoil is the shape of a wing, blade (of a propeller, rotor, or turbine), or sail as seen in cross-section.
See Also
- Aerostatics: The study of gases at rest or in equilibrium.
- Hydrodynamics: The study of liquids in motion.
- Aeronautics: The science or art involved with the study, design, and manufacturing of air flight capable machines.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Aerodynamics
- Wikipedia's article - Aerodynamics
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