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com

Introduction
WHAT IS AERODYNAMICS?
Aerodynamics is the branch of
dynamics that treats the motion
of air (and other gaseous fluids)
and the resulting forces acting on
solid objects moving about within
such a fluid.
Aerodynamic results will fall into
different categories of behaviour
depending on velocity range
(slow speed, high speed,
supersonic, hypersonic),
depending on size and shape of
the object (large, small, complex
3D solid) and the physical properties of the fluid (dense, rarefied, viscous, inviscid). Many
different aerodynamic situations can be analysed using a range of available theories.
The important steps of
• flow field definition,
• calculation of velocity field around the object,
• calculation of flow pressure and shear distribution,
• integration of these distributions on the surface of the body
are the tools used for most theoretical aerodynamic prediction. The aim is to be able to predict
the lift, drag, thrust and moments acting on objects or vehicles in motion.

WHAT IS LIFT?
Lift is the aerodynamic force acting at right angles to the direction of motion of the object. It is
produced by the interaction of the moving object and the fluid. This interaction typically leads
to a pressure differential being set up between upper surface and lower surface of the object.
The nett effect of high pressure below and low pressure above will produce a force which
sustains the object against descent due to gravity. The physical mechanisms in the fluid/body
interaction that create lift are very complex. The laws of conservation of mass and momentum
(including the effect of fluid rotation) result in fluid flow paths, velocity and pressure
distributions which can significantly change the magnitude of lift due to small changes in flow
angle or surface curvature. It is hoped that by studying the following chapters on the
theoretical basis of fluid flow, students will begin to understand these mechanisms.
Here are some diagrams showing the creation of lift

WHAT IS DRAG?
Drag is the aerodynamic force resisting the motion of the object through the fluid. It is
produced by front/rear pressure differences, shearing between fluid and solid surface,
compression of the gas at high speed and residual lift components induced by 3D flow rotation.
 WHAT IS THRUST?
Thrust is the aerodynamic force produced in the direction of motion and is required to
overcome drag and thus sustain the forward flight of the vehicle. It is produced by mechanical
means (an engine) which effectivily transfers energy into the flow, in the form of increased
fluid momentum. Thrust is the forward reaction to this fluid momentum change.

WHAT IS MOMENT?
Moment is the aerodynamic torque produced by out of balance forces. An object or vehicle has
no solid structure to support it in the air. A balance is required and all forces must act through
the same point (typically the center of gravity of the object). Any variation of the point of
application for aerodynamic forces will produce a couple, leading to a moment which will cause
the vehicle to start to rotate. The study of these moments and the effect they have on the
stability of motion of the vehicle is covered in more detail in the Flight Mechanics courses.

WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THESE PAGES?

In the chapters of this web text we try to explain methods of analysis that can be used to
predict the behaviour of various flight vehicles and components. The aim is to provide
introductory engineering tools that will help in the undestanding of fundamental aerodynamics.
The primary system of units to be used in this text is the SI System.

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