Aerodynamic Research: Overview, History, and Applications

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Aerodynamic Research
Over view about the aerodynamic
Aerodynamics is defined as the study of motion of air and its interaction with other objects.
This is a field which combines fluid dynamics and gas dynamics. Aerodynamics helps in
understanding the motion of air and the way it affects objects which is defined as flow field
effects. Through aerodynamics, calculation of forces and moments acting on the objects can
be found. The key forces which are focused on aerodynamics include the lift, drag, thrust and
weight (Tucker 2016). On these key forces, lift and drag are considered aerodynamic since
they result from air flow over the solid body. The major assumption when calculating the
forces in aerodynamics is that the flow field is assumed to behave like a continuum. These
are flows which are characterized by flow velocity, density, pressure and temperature
(Houghton & Carpenter 2012). These properties are able to act as functions of position and
time. In aerodynamics, these properties can be found directly or indirectly through
experiments of the use of equations of conservation of mass, energy and momentum of air
flows. In addition, the flow fields are also characterized by density, viscosity and flow
velocity. These properties are able to define the relations between the object and air which
flows over them. Ideal gas laws are used to define the different aerodynamics flows and types
of aerodynamics.
There are several factors which are used to classify aerodynamic problems. The flow
environment is one of the major properties which are used to classify aerodynamics. The
major classification in this category includes internal and external aerodynamics. External
aerodynamics is the study when the flow around the objects of different shapes (Ullrich, Gary
& Dusenbury 2012). On the other hand, internal aerodynamics is the study of flow which
passes through the solid objects. Flow speed is another key property which is used to classify

aerodynamics. Subsonic aerodynamics happens when all the seed is less that sound speed and
transonic if both speed below and above are present and approximately the same as sound
speed. Supersonic aerodynamics is found when the flow speed is greater than speed of sound
and hypersonic is when the speed is much greater than speed of sound. The third
classification is done through the influence of viscosity. Inviscid aerodynamics is when very
small viscous effects are felt and then considered negligible (Hawthorne 2017). In addition,
viscous flow aerodynamics is when the viscosity cannot be neglected. Aerodynamics has
applications in many fields such as vehicle design, sailing vessels, structural engineering, and
aerospace among other field.
History of aerodynamic
The study dates since the 17th century although some key observations had been made earlier
on in applications such as sailboats and windmills. The theory of resistance was once
developed y Sir Isaac Newton in 1726 (Ferri 2009). The next development on aerodynamics
was made by Daniel Bernoulli in 1738 when he came up with Hydrodynamica. This was able
to describe the relationships between pressure, density and flow velocity for incompressible
floe, which is known as Bernoulli’s principle today. This principle helps in calculation of
aerodynamic lift in objects. Then Leonhard Euler came up with the Euler equations in 1757
which came in to define conditions for both compressible and incompressible flows. The
equations were further extended in 1800s to in cooperate the effects of viscosity. This led to
Navier-Stokes equations. These are some of the most simple equations of fluid flow but
difficult to solve the flow around simple shapes. The four major aerodynamics forces of flight
were identified in 1799 by Sir George Cayley (Von Karman 2010). The theories were later
developed during flights and connected with circulation of fluid flow to lift. Moreover,
researches continued and understanding about subsonic and low supersonic flow were done.
The cold war led to the design of high performing aircraft, and this relied on different

aerodynamic forces reactions. Supersonic and hypersonic aerodynamics ideas were later
matured by 1960s.
Aerodynamic in the planes
In planes, aerodynamics is able to explain the way planes fly. It defines the different forces of
drag, lift, weight and thrust. In this situation, the changes of the different forces and their
interaction with air enhance the lifting of the plane and its flight (Leishman 2011). The
interaction and changes of the forces in plane insure its moving up and down as well as faster
or slower movement. In the plane also, the amount of each force and comparison with the
opposing force determines the movement of the plane through air. The shape of the plane
wings plays a critical role in lifting and making its fly. The planes winds are curved on top
and flat on the bottom (Seddon & Newman 2008). The shape of the wing makes air flow over
the top faster than on the bottom. Therefore air pressure is low on the tip and this leads to the
lifting of the plane. The curved wings affect air pressure. The lifting force has to overcome
the weight pressure of the plane. In addition, for the plane to overcome the drag force, they
must generate the thrust force (Leishman 2009). The motor-driven propeller or jet engines
provide thrust force required. The aerodynamic forces are able to control the plane during
flight.
Figure 1: forces acting on a plane (Leishman 2011)