Introduction Page 2
Targets
At the end of this Unit you should be able to answer the following questions
2. What forces are involved in flight?
2.1 How do flying devices and living things counteract gravity?
2.2 How does air movement across a surface result in lift?
2.3 How can drag be reduced?
2.4 What means of propulsion are used in aircraft?
Aerodynamics refers to the forces of flight that act on objects moving through the air. These aerodynamic forces can push an object up, pull it down, or move it forwards or backwards. Where or how an object moves through the air depends on which force is stronger.
Career Connection
Race car designers need to know about aerodynamics as well. This is not because they want their cars to fly, but because they want their cars to stick to the ground while moving through the air as quickly as possible. This video explains some of the elements of car design that make use of knowledge of aerodynamics.