What is Aerodynamics?
'''Aerodynamics''' means studying how [[air]] (or [[gas]]) travels around something moving through it. Streamlining to reduce [[Drag (physics)|drag]] in [[vehicle]]s is a major field in aerodynamics. [[Aircraft]] design is another.<ref>A Dictionary of Aviation, David W. Wragg. {{ISBN|9780850451634}}, 1st Edition Published by Osprey, 1973 / Published by Frederick Fell, Inc., NY, 1974 (1st American Edition.)</ref> The study of gases that are not in motion is called [[aerostatics]]. Aerodynamics comes from Aero (Air), and [[Dynamics]] (Moving). For aircraft, [[lift (force)]] is the force pushing up. [[Gravity]] is the force pushing down. If lift is stronger than [[gravity]] the plane goes up. If gravity is stronger than lift, the plane goes down. In planes, lift is caused by airflow. Airplane wings are designed in such a way that, the air [[molecule]]s prefer moving under the wing rather than above it, so as a result there is more air flowing underneath the [[wing]] compared to above it. This [[movement|motion]] of the air gives upward lift to the aircraft. ''See [[Bernoulli's principle]].'' Thrust and drag govern forward motion. [[Thrust]] is the force pushing forward, and drag is the force pushing backward. Thrust is usually made by either [[propeller]]s or [[jet engine|jets]]. [[Drag (physics)|Drag]] is the force pushing backward. Most drag is caused by air [[friction]]. ==References== {{reflist}} {{authority control}} [[Category:Fluid mechanics]] [[Category:Aerospace engineering]] {{science-stub}}