What does aerodynamics study?

Aerodynamics is specifically concerned with the forces and resulting motion of objects as they move through the air. This field of study examines how air interacts with solid objects, particularly those in motion, like aircraft, rockets, and vehicles. The focus is on understanding various forces such as lift, drag, thrust, and weight, and how these forces influence the performance, stability, and control of an object.

Understanding aerodynamics is essential for designing efficient vehicles and structures that can navigate through air with minimal resistance. This encompasses a wide range of applications, including aircraft design and performance optimization, as well as understanding the overall behavior of air flow around objects.