Aerodynamics Practice Test: Basic Principles and Equations — Flashcards

Aerodynamics basics include these topics: Finite control volume approach, infinitesimal fluid element, continuity and energy equations, pathlines, streamlines, streaklines, angular velocity, vorticity, strain and circulation.

The four basic principles of aerodynamics are:

Weight: The gravitational force acting on an object
Lift: The force that pushes an aircraft upward
Thrust: The force that moves an aircraft forward
Drag: The force that holds an aircraft back 

Here are some other basics of aerodynamics:
Angle of attack: The angle between the chord line and the relative wind. Airfoils only produce lift when flying at a non-zero angle of attack.
Drag coefficient: A dimensionless quantity that quantifies the drag or resistance of an object in a fluid environment.
Dynamic equilibrium: When the aerodynamic forces of lift, thrust, weight, and drag are balanced. 

Here are some general equations that mathematically express aerodynamic principles: Continuity equation, Momentum equation, Energy equation. 
The aerodynamic drag force increases with the square of the vehicle speed. The lower the drag coefficient, the lower the aerodynamic drag force of the vehicle, and the higher the energy efficiency.