Fluid Dynamics
This principle states that as the speed of a moving fluid increases, its internal pressure decreases.
Bernoulli's Principle
This upward aerodynamic force is generated by the wings to oppose the downward pull of gravity.
Lift
These electronic devices directly convert sunlight into electricity using the photovoltaic effect.
Solar panels (or solar cells)
This is the type of energy possessed by an object due to its motion.
Kinetic energy
This dimensionless coefficient quantifies the aerodynamic resistance of a vehicle moving through the air.
Drag coefficient
This term describes a smooth, orderly fluid flow where layers slide past each other with minimal mixing.
Laminar flow
This backward-retarding force is caused by disruption of airflow around the aircraft structure.
Drag
This renewable energy source utilizes the natural heat stored deep within the Earth to generate power.
Geothermal energy
This standard International System (SI) unit is used to measure work and energy.
Joule
This inverted airfoil device is attached to the rear of a car to increase downforce and stability at high speeds.
Spoiler
This dimensionless value is calculated using fluid density, velocity, length, and viscosity to predict turbulence.
Reynolds number
This is the acute angle between the chord line of an airfoil and the direction of the relative wind.
Angle of attack
This is the term for organic matter—such as wood, crops, or waste—used as a renewable fuel source.
Biomass
This law states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.
Law of Conservation of Energy
This massive, controlled facility is used by engineers to test the aerodynamics of cars and planes using giant fans.
Wind tunnel
This physical property measures a fluid's internal resistance to flow, often thought of as its thickness.
Viscosity
This dangerous flight condition occurs when the angle of attack becomes too steep, causing a sudden loss of lift.
Stall
This law dictates the maximum theoretical efficiency of a wind turbine, capping it at exactly 59.3%.
Betz's Law
This term refers to potential energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules, found in food and fossil fuels.
Chemical energy
This component on a wind turbine rotates the entire rotor into the wind to maximize power generation.
Yaw system (or yaw drive)
This fundamental law of fluid mechanics states that the mass flow rate must remain constant in a closed pipe or tube.
Continuity Equation
This specific type of drag is an unavoidable byproduct generated by the creation of lift.
Induced drag
This clean gas can be produced via water electrolysis and used as both a fuel and an energy storage medium.
Hydrogen
This thermodynamic term describes the measure of disorder or randomness in a closed system.
Entropy
This aerodynamic phenomenon occurs when a vehicle drives closely behind another to utilize its low-pressure wake and save energy.
Drafting (or slipstreaming)