Aeronatical Perspective Paper

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....