Aerodynamic Force
Aerodynamic force is the force exerted on a body by the air or gas in which it is immersed, due to the relative motion between the body and the fluid. In space and astronautical engineering, aerodynamic force plays a crucial role in the design and operation of spacecraft, rockets, and other vehicles that travel through the Earth's atmosphere or other planetary atmospheres. The aerodynamic force acting on a vehicle depends on its shape, size, speed, and the properties of the fluid it is moving through. The three main types of aerodynamic forces are lift, drag, and side force. Lift is the force that opposes the weight of the vehicle and keeps it airborne, while drag is the force that opposes the forward motion of the vehicle. Side force is the force that acts perpendicular to the direction of motion and can cause the vehicle to turn or roll. Understanding and controlling aerodynamic forces is essential for achieving stable and efficient flight in the atmosphere.
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