Aeronautics

Aeronautics

The branch of science that deals with flight aerodynamics and with the operation of all types of aircraft.

Contributors in Aeronautics

Aeronautics

A method of decreasing aerodynamic drag caused by the turbulent flow of the boundary layer. Boundary-layer control can use either a high-velocity blast of air to blow the random-flowing air off the ...

blown boundary layer control

Aviation; Aeronautics

A method of decreasing aerodynamic drag on the surface of an airplane wing. The boundary layer is the layer of air which flows in a random fashion directly over the surface of the wing. Blown ...

fishtail

Aviation; Aeronautics

A method of decreasing the speed of an airplane during its approach for landing. Airplanes without flaps can be slowed down and kept on a relatively straight flight path by alternately skidding the ...

vacuum metallizing

Aviation; Aeronautics

A method of depositing an extremely thin film of metal on a surface. A metallic vapor is formed by evaporating the metal in a high vacuum, or extremely low absolute pressure. This vapor is attracted ...

wind tunnel testing

Aviation; Aeronautics

A method of determining the aerodynamic characteristics of an aircraft design. An accurate scale model of the aircraft is made and mounted in the wind tunnel on a series of balances, or scales. Wind ...

zero beat

Aviation; Aeronautics

A method of determining the exact frequency of an alternating current. Vibrations caused by a variable-frequency alternating current are mixed with vibrations caused by the alternating current whose ...

triangulation

Aviation; Aeronautics

A method of determining the location of an aircraft by radio bearings. Lines are drawn from two or more VOR stations along the radials on which the aircraft is located. The location on the chart ...