Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics is the science of airflow over airplanes, cars, buildings, and other objects. Aerodynamic principles are used to find the best ways in which airplanes produce lift, reduce drag, and remain stable (by controlling the shape and size of the wing, the angle at which it is positioned with respect to the airstream, and the flight speed). The flight characteristics change at higher altitudes as the surrounding air becomes colder and thinner. The behavior of the airflow also changes dramatically at flight speeds close to, and beyond, the speed of sound. The explosion in computational capability has made it possible to understand and exploit the concepts of aerodynamics and to design improved wings for airplanes. Increasingly sophisticated wind tunnels are also available to test new models.

Airflow is governed by the principles of fluid dynamics that deal with the motion of liquids and gases in and around solid surfaces. The viscosity, density, compressibility, and temperature of the air determine how the air will flow around a building or a plane. The viscosity of a fluid is its resistance to flow. Even though air is 55 times less viscous than water, viscosity is important near a solid surface because air, like all other fluids, tends to stick to the surface and slow down the flow.

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