A kite is a tethered airborne craft, typically made of lightweight materials, that is flown in the wind. It’s a simple yet captivating toy and recreational activity. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Lightweight construction: Usually made from fabric, paper, plastic, or other light materials. Tethered flight: Attached to a string or line controlled by the … Read more
Gliding is a form of aviation where aircraft, known as gliders, fly without an engine, relying solely on air currents and the pilot’s skill to stay aloft. Gliders use aerodynamic lift to stay in the air, utilizing rising air masses, called thermals, and ridge lift to gain altitude and extend their flight. Key Characteristics / … Read more
Gas dynamics is the study of gases in motion, focusing on their behavior under conditions where pressure, temperature, and velocity change significantly. It involves the application of fluid mechanics principles specifically tailored to compressible gases. This is unlike fluid statics, which deals with fluids at rest. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Compressibility: Gases are highly … Read more
Fluid dynamics is the branch of physics that studies how fluids (liquids and gases) behave and interact with their surroundings. It deals with the motion of fluids and the forces that act upon them. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Fluids: Substances that can flow and conform to the shape of their containers (liquids and gases). … Read more
Aviation is the design, development, production, operation, and use of aircraft. It encompasses the science and art of flight, including everything from designing planes to managing air traffic control. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Flight: The ability of aircraft to operate in the air, utilizing principles of aerodynamics (lift, drag, thrust, and weight). Aircraft: The … Read more
Aerodynamics is the study of how air moves around objects and the forces that air exerts on those objects. It’s essentially the science of airflow and how it affects motion. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Lift: The upward force that opposes gravity, enabling flight. Drag: The force that resists motion through the air. Thrust: The … Read more
Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned with the development of aircraft and spacecraft. It’s a broad discipline encompassing the design, construction, testing, and operation of these vehicles. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Aerodynamics: The study of air and other gases in motion, especially in relation to their effect on bodies in motion … Read more