AERODYNAMICS: HOW AIRFLOW AFFECTS BICYCLES, RACE CARS, AND AIRCRAFT

Aerodynamics is the study of the forces and motion experienced by objects through the air (NASA Glenn Research Center, 2023b). This article examines boundary layers, drag, lift, separation, Reynolds number scaling, and the design tools that engineers use to optimize aerodynamic performance. By focusing on these topics, this article argues that a set of physical principles governs low-speed airflow over a cyclist’s helmet, an F1 car’s floor, and a Boeing 787’s wings. In other words, this article shows practical problems posed by aerodynamic performance such as "how do I go faster?" or “how do I stay planted through a corner?” ultimately are questions about generalized fluid dynamics.