aerodynamics

[air-oh-dahy-nam-iks]

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the branch of mechanics that deals with the motion of air and other gases and with the effects of such motion on bodies in the medium.

aerodynamics

/ ˌɛərəʊdaɪˈnæmɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the study of the dynamics of gases, esp of the forces acting on a body passing through air Compare aerostatics

aerodynamics

1. The study of the movement of air and other gases. Aerodynamics includes the study of the interactions of air with moving objects, such as airplanes, and of the effects of moving air on stationary objects, such as buildings.

aerodynamics

1. The branch of science devoted to the study of the flow of gas es around solid objects. It is especially important in the design of cars and airplanes, which move through the air.

A vehicle that has been built to minimize friction with the air is said to be aerodynamically designed.

Other Word Forms

• aerodynamic adjective
• aerodynamical adjective
• aerodynamically adverb
• aerodynamicist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of aerodynamics¹

First recorded in 1830–40; aero- + dynamics

A Closer Look

The two primary forces in aerodynamics are lift and drag. Lift refers to (usually upward) forces perpendicular to the direction of motion of an object traveling through the air. For example, airplane wings are designed so that their movement through the air creates an area of low pressure above the wing and an area of high pressure beneath it; the pressure difference produces the lift needed for flight. This effect is typical of airfoil design. Drag forces are parallel and opposite to the object's direction of motion and are caused largely by friction. Large wings can create a significant amount of lift, but they do so with the expense of generating a great deal of drag. Spoilers that are extended on airplane wings upon the vehicle's landing exploit this tradeoff by making the wings capable of high lift even at low speeds; low landing speeds then still provide enough lift for a gentle touchdown. Aeronautical engineers need to take into account such factors as the speed and altitude at which their designs will fly (lower air pressures at high altitudes reduce both lift and drag) in order to optimally balance lift and drag in varying conditions.

Example Sentences

No-one really likes it, but it's considered necessary at least to make overtaking possible when aerodynamics are so important.

From BBC

It suggests a car with aerodynamics that are not consistent or predictable.

From BBC

That added to aerodynamics upgrades to the car to the front wing and suspension introduced in Austria led to the largest margin any pole winner has had in percentage terms all season.

From BBC

So the rule-makers turned to moveable aerodynamics, reducing drag on the straights so the cars were in the braking zones for longer.

From BBC

The aerodynamic rules have already been changed to accommodate this, by introducing moveable aerodynamics which will reduce drag on straights so cars have a faster top speed and are therefore braking for longer.

From BBC

Related Words

• aeronautics 
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