Aerodynamics / Aerokinetics
![]() |
Picture: Rüdiger Bachmeier |
Aerodynamics / aerokinetics describes the behavior of bodies in compressible fluids (for example air). Kinetics because it is about movement. Our airplanes moves in the air, so the air is forced to swerve.
Applied aerodynamics in vehicle construction is just as exciting and is subject to the same laws. In carracing, lift is an issue too. However, the opposite is sought, downforce - to improve traction. Good aerodynamicists have a feeling for flowing shapes and think their way into the elastic medium of air - more an intuitive process than a technical one. Luigi Colani, for example, also studied aerodynamics, but in essence he was a gifted designer.
![]() |
Picture: NASA Dominic Hart |
It does not matter whether it is an aircraft, car, bird, hummingbird, bumblebee, insect, model airplane, helicopter, gyrocopter, parachutist, stone, ball or anything else. When bodies move in the air, they displace air. The speed of the bodies (e.g. fuselage, wings, propeller) causes air to be displaced relatively quickly, i.e. accelerated.
In contrast to a vehicle, which has to struggle with air resistance, among other things, gravity is constantly trying to force the aircraft to the ground. The strategy for fighting gravity is to generate lift.
Cause and Effect ⇐ | ⇒ Lift Against Gravity