MECHANICS

WHAT IS MECHANICS
Mechanics is the branch of physics concerned with the behaviour of physical bodies when subjected to forces or displacements, and the subsequent effect of the bodies on their environment. Here we are concerned with macroscopic bodies, i.e., bodies that you can easily see, in the solid state.

BRANCHES OF MECHANICS
There are four main branches in mechanics. They are Kinematics Dynamic Fluid mechanics Aero dynamics

In this PowerPoint Presentation, I shall focus on AERODYNAMICS

AERODYNAMICS
Aerodynamics is a branch of dynamics concerned with studying the motion of air, particularly when it interacts with a moving object. Aerodynamics is a subfield of fluid dynamics and gas dynamics, with much theory shared between them. Understanding the motion of air around an object enables the calculation of forces and moments acting on the object. Typical properties calculated for a flow field include velocity, pressure, density and temperature as a function of position and time

A vortex is created by the passage of an aircraft wing. Vortices are one of the many phenomena associated to the study of aerodynamics. The vortex is created by the difference in pressure between the upper and lower surface of the wing.

LAWS OF COSERVATION
Aerodynamic problems are often solved using conservation laws. Three conservation principles are: Continuity: If a certain mass of fluid enters a volume, it must either exit the volume or change the mass inside the volume. Conservation of Momentum: Application of Newton's second law of motion to a continuum. Conservation of Energy: Although energy can be converted from one form to another, the total energy in a given system remains constant.

THEORY OF AERODYNAMICS
According to the theory of aerodynamics, a flow is considered to be compressible if its change in density with respect to pressure is non-zero along a streamline. This means that - unlike incompressible flow - changes in density must be considered. Transonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flows are all compressible.

WHAT IS TRANSONIC FLOW?

The term Transonic refers to a range of velocities just below and above the local speed of sound. It is defined as the range of speeds between the critical Mach number, when some parts of the airflow over an aircraft become supersonic, and a higher speed, typically near Mach 1.2, when all of the airflow is supersonic. Between these speeds some of the airflow is supersonic, and some is not.

Transonic flow patterns on F-16 fighter aircraft

F/A-18 flying at transonic speed

WHAT IS SUPERSONIC FLOW?

Supersonic aerodynamic problems are those involving flow speeds greater than the speed of sound. Supersonic flow behaves very differently from subsonic flow. Fluids react to differences in pressure; pressure changes are how a fluid is "told" to respond to its environment. Therefore, since sound is in fact an infinitesimal pressure difference propagating through a fluid, the speed of sound in that fluid can be considered the fastest speed that "information" can travel in the flow.

A United States Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in transonic flight.

WHAT IS HYPERSONIC FLOW?

In aerodynamics, hypersonic speeds are speeds that are highly supersonic. The hypersonic regime is a subset of the supersonic regime. Hypersonic flow is characterized by high temperature flow behind a shock wave, viscous interaction, and chemical dissociation of gas.

Boeing X-43 at Mach 7

AUTOMOTIVE AERODYNAMICS
Automotive aerodynamics is the study of the aerodynamics of road vehicles. The main concerns of automotive aerodynamics are reducing drag, reducing wind noise, minimizing noise emission, and preventing undesired lift forces and other causes of aerodynamic instability at high speeds. For some classes of racing vehicles, it may also be important to produce desirable downwards aerodynamic forces to improve traction and thus cornering abilities.

A truck with added bodywork on top of the cab to reduce drag.

AERODYNAMICS IN OTHER FIELDS

Aerodynamics is important in a number of applications other than aerospace engineering. It is a significant factor in any type of vehicle design, including automobiles. It is important in the prediction of forces and moments in sailing. It is used in the design of large components such as hard drive heads. Structural engineers also use aerodynamics, and particularly aeroelasticity, to calculate wind loads in the design of large buildings and bridges.

AERODYNAMICS IN OTHER FIELDS

Urban aerodynamics seeks to help town planners and designers improve comfort in outdoor spaces, create urban microclimates and reduce the effects of urban pollution. The field of environmental aerodynamics studies the ways atmospheric circulation and flight mechanics affect ecosystems.