Southampton, United Kingdom

Aeronautics and Astronautics / Aerodynamics

Integrated Master's degree
Language: EnglishStudies in English
Subject area: engineering and engineering trades
Qualification: MEng
Kind of studies: full-time studies
Master of Engineering (MEng)
University website: www.soton.ac.uk
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics, from Greek ἀήρ aer (air) + δυναμική (dynamics), is the study of the motion of air, particularly its interaction with a solid object, such as an airplane wing. It is a sub-field of fluid dynamics and gas dynamics, and many aspects of aerodynamics theory are common to these fields. The term aerodynamics is often used synonymously with gas dynamics, the difference being that "gas dynamics" applies to the study of the motion of all gases, and is not limited to air. The formal study of aerodynamics began in the modern sense in the eighteenth century, although observations of fundamental concepts such as aerodynamic drag were recorded much earlier. Most of the early efforts in aerodynamics were directed toward achieving heavier-than-air flight, which was first demonstrated by Otto Lilienthal in 1891. Since then, the use of aerodynamics through mathematical analysis, empirical approximations, wind tunnel experimentation, and computer simulations has formed a rational basis for the development of heavier-than-air flight and a number of other technologies. Recent work in aerodynamics has focused on issues related to compressible flow, turbulence, and boundary layers and has become increasingly computational in nature.
Aeronautics
Aeronautics (from the ancient Greek words ὰήρ āēr, which means "air", and ναυτική nautikē which means "navigation", i.e. "navigation into the air") is the science or art involved with the study, design, and manufacturing of air flight capable machines, and the techniques of operating aircraft and rockets within the atmosphere. The British Royal Aeronautical Society identifies the aspects of "aeronautical Art, Science and Engineering" and "the profession of Aeronautics (which expression includes Astronautics)."
Astronautics
Astronautics (or cosmonautics) is the theory and practice of navigation beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Aeronautics
According to the theory of aerodynamics, as may be readily demonstrated through wind tunnel experiments, the bumblebee is unable to fly. This is because the size, weight and shape of his body in relation to the total wingspread make flying impossible. But the bumblebee, being ignorant of these scientific truths, goes ahead and flies anyway—and makes a little honey every day.
Sign in a General Motors Corporation plant, reported in Ralph L. Woods, The Businessman's Book of Quotations (1951), p. 249–50. Compare: "Antoine Magnan, a French zoologist, in 1934 made some very careful studies of bumblebee flight and came to the conclusion that bumblebees cannot fly at all! Fortunately, the bumblebees never heard this bit of news and so went on flying as usual". Ross E. Hutchins, Insects (1968), p. 68. Magnan's 1934 work was Le Vol des Insectes (vol. 1 of La Locomotion Chez les Animaux).
Aeronautics
Let brisker youths their active nerves prepare
Fit their light silken wings and skim the buxom air.
Richard Owen Cambridge, in the Scriblerad (1751).
Aeronautics
"The birds can fly, an' why can't I?
Must we give in," says he with a grin,
"That the bluebird an' phœbe are smarter 'n we be?"
John Townsend Trowbridge, Darius Green and his Flying Machine (1867).
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