Aerodynamics Fundamentals: What is a Fluid?
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What is a Fluid?
02.01
| 00:00 | In this section of the course, we're going to be diving into the fundamental principles behind aerodynamics. |
| 00:05 | Before we even begin discussing how aerodynamics work though, we first need to start at the very beginning, by discussing what a fluid actually is. |
| 00:14 | This may seem like a basic concept, but it is important to lay the foundations for future lessons. |
| 00:21 | A fluid is essentially any material that continuously moves when an external force is applied. |
| 00:26 | This means that contrary to what most people might think, a fluid isn't just a liquid. |
| 00:32 | Fluids actually include liquids or gases like water, oil, fuels, and air. |
| 00:39 | When we study aerodynamics, what we are actually studying is a subcategory of what is known as fluid dynamics. |
| 00:46 | So, aerodynamics is just the study of the fluid dynamics of air. |
| 00:50 | The rules of aerodynamics apply very similarly to other fluids, such as water and oil. |
| 00:55 | With an exception to be made for what's known as multi-phase flows. |
| 00:59 | Essentially, this is when you have two types of fluid, like say, water coming out from a hose, or a river with air above it. |
| 01:07 | These flows are extremely complex, so we won't go into them in this course. |
| 01:11 | But the rules are quite different, so it's important to note that when we look at demonstrations of spoons being run under taps, for example, that these are actually not at all accurate and applicable to aerodynamics experienced on a car travelling solely through air. |
| 01:28 | Fundamentally, when we're looking at car aerodynamics, we're looking at a single -phase fluid, air, flowing over a car's body. |
| 01:36 | So, to summarise, aerodynamics is a subcategory of fluid dynamics focusing specifically on how air flows. |
| 01:43 | While aerodynamic principles are similar to those of other fluids like water and oil, this course only focuses on single -phase fluid flow air excluding complex multiphase flows such as water and air interactions as they aren't relevant. |
