How we study aerodynamics [Aerodynamics #1]

This lecture is a first introduction to Aerodynamics. Specifically what classifies as aerodynamics, why it gets a separate course when we’ve already learned fluid mechanics, and what we can do with it. Aerodynamics is approached differently than fluid mechanics. In aerodynamics we focus on the body forces caused by air, force balances of entire vehicles, and we will need to take a less exact approach than in fluids by looking up empirical values more often. In addition, we often care about more variables than the typical velocity and pressure, where temperature, density, and internal energy are all necessary in solving conservation of energy. NOTE: These videos are intended to be a fast-paced narrated lecture covering the material of a typical college course. To best retain the material, first watch through and take mental notes of what you understand and don’t. Then, watch again at a much slower speed, and take notes as you go to follow along. Free downloadable notes (PDF with wh