Submitted by: Submitted by tywillie
Views: 628
Words: 1045
Pages: 5
Category: Science and Technology
Date Submitted: 05/13/2013 05:21 PM
Aeronautical Science Perspective paper
Tyson J. Williams
April 11, 2013
Discussion Topic: Aerodynamics
Aeronautical Science perspective paper: discussion –Aerodynamics
The importance of aerodynamics is fundamental to flight and can be traced back over thousands
of years. There are fascinating stories such as Icarus and Daedalus and also the use of sail’s and other
weapons that harness older aerodynamic principles. In 1505 Leonardo Di Vinci first published the codex
of the flight of birds. This publication was one of the first ever for this type of subject and would help
mold the world of flight today. The basic principles of lift, weight, thrust and drag seem pretty simple,
but try telling that to people hundreds of years ago.
Growing up as a child I lived close to an Air Force base and I loved to watch all the jets
constantly fly over my house. It would always amaze me when I would see a fighter jet scream past like
lightning and then a giant, slow flying cargo plane would cruise by just moments later. I always
wondered how this was even possible. Being so young, it was hard to wrap my brain around airfoils and
lift. It was then my fascination with aircraft began and led me to where I am today.
In early aerodynamics arrows are great examples of how basic flight principles were
implemented with such limited technology. Later on Sir Isaac Newton was a major influence on
aerodynamics and his in depth work would make him the first aerodynamicist. Learning about the
Wright brothers and also other early aviation pioneers really opened my eyes to how far we have come
along. Looking back on their early aircraft models and seeing how they learned about aerodynamics
from riding a bicycle is truly spectacular. From that point in time it has been non-stop development.
I love reading through old aircraft books from the 1920’s and 30’s and seeing how rapidly we
have progressed from the wars....