Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics is the study of the flow of gases. External aerodynamics is the study of flow around solid objects of various shapes. For instance, evaluating the lift and drag on an airplane, the shock waves that form in front of the nose of a rocket, and the flow of air over a hard drive head are examples of external aerodynamics. Internal aerodynamics is the study of flow through passages in solid objects. For instance, internal aerodynamics encompasses the study of the airflow through a jet engine or through an air conditioning pipe. Once the flow pattern is understood then it becomes possible to calculate or approximate the forces and moments acting on the body. It is this mathematical analysis and empirical approximation that becomes the scientific basis for heavier-than-air flight.

Topics to cover:

history of aerodynamics (refer to Sir George Cayley)

the four common forces: lift, drag, thrust, weight

compressible flow dynamics

incompressible flow dynamics

transonic aerodynamics

supersonic aerodynamics

hypersonic dynamics

automotive aerodynamics

blade element theory and other models for simulating flight

See also: Aeronautics, Center of pressure

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