aerodynamics
aerodynamics — noun
1. the branch of physics that examines how air and other gases flow around solid th
the branch of physics that examines how air and other gases flow around solid things, and how forces such as lift and drag act on objects moving through those gases — for example, the wings of an aircraft or the body of a racing car.
Naoko studied aerodynamics at university before joining a company that designs racing cars.
uncountable noun with singular verb
The aerodynamics of a bird's wing have inspired engineers to build more efficient aircraft.
Quan learned in class how aerodynamics explains why a paper airplane glides through air.
Modern aerodynamics uses computer software to simulate how air flows over a new jet engine.
Lara read about aerodynamics to understand why some sports cars are faster than others.
- fluid dynamics
broader field that includes the study of liquids as well as gases
- aeronautics
focuses on the design and flight of aircraft rather than the general science of air flow
- aeromechanics
more specifically the branch dealing with forces and motion in air
文法句型
aerodynamics + singular verb
用法筆記
Frequently used as an uncountable noun with a singular verb (e.g., aerodynamics is a branch of physics). In technical writing, it may also appear with a plural verb when referring to specific sets of forces or properties.
2. the features of a design that affect how much the air pushes against an object a
the features of a design that affect how much the air pushes against an object as it travels — a shape with good aerodynamics slices through the air easily, while a poor one creates drag and slows it down.
The car's poor aerodynamics created a loud whistling noise at high speed on the highway.
collocation: poor aerodynamics
Selim improved the aerodynamics of his bicycle by adding a special helmet and smooth wheels.
The new truck design focuses on better aerodynamics so that it will use less fuel.
Padma chose a backpack with good aerodynamics so it would not slow her while running.
Engineers tested the aerodynamics of the drone's body to reduce drag during long flights.
- streamlining
refers specifically to the process of shaping an object to reduce drag, while aerodynamics describes the resulting property
- wind resistance
a narrower measure of the opposing force, whereas aerodynamics covers the overall air-flow behaviour
- drag coefficient
a precisely measured number, not a general quality; used in engineering contexts
文法句型
has/good/poor aerodynamics
用法筆記
In this sense, aerodynamics can take either a singular or plural verb depending on the focus (e.g., the car's aerodynamics is impressive vs. the car's aerodynamics are state-of-the-art). The context of vehicle or product design is the most common.