2.

Aerodynamics

2.1 Fundamentals of Aerodynamics

2.1.1 Introduction
Aerodynamics is the study of the interaction between the air and solid bodies moving in it. It
can be described as a rare example of the matching together of theoretical physics, pure
mathematics and creative engineering.

Newtons third law of motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Aircraft, helicopters, gliders and autogyros produce their lift by pushing down on a mass of air.
They are supported in the air when they force down an amount of air equal to their own weight.
This is determined basically by the density of the air through which they are flying and the speed
with which they pass through the air.

Today, aerodynamics is normally restricted to the study of dynamic flight, i.e. the behaviour of
aircraft that are heavier than air. For the first time the idea that a heavier-than-air vehicle
basically faces two major problems was clearly defined and documented by Sir George Cayley
(1773-1857). In his papers and notes he separated the problem of sustenation (lift) from the
problem of drag which, according to him, must be compensated by propulsion in order to
maintain level flight.

2.1.2 Kinetic, Potential and Total Energy

Kinetic energy is that energy which is associated with motion. Speeding up the movement of air
or any object increases its kinetic energy.

Potential energy is the energy possessed by a body because of its position or its configuration.
The potential energy of air relates to its pressure, and increasing its pressure increases its
potential energy.

The total energy of the air is the sum of the kinetic and the potential energy.

Bernoullis Principle

To explain the theory of flow, we do not say that a body moves through the air but that the air
flows over the body.