Key Area: The Aerodynamics

Knowledge of aerodynamics is crucial in constructing an AEV that maximizes speed. According to NASA, “Aerodynamics is the way objects move through air.” In the case of the AEV, the objects that need to be the most aerodynamic are the wings and a possible nose-like part that goes towards the front. To increase the aerodynamics and therefore speed of our AEV, we need to minimize the drag force caused by the AEV. NASA says that “Round surfaces usually have less drag than flat ones and narrow surfaces usually have less drag than wide ones.” One of the reasons that airplanes are able to cut through the air with such ease is that the edges of the wings and the nose of the airplane are rounded, thus minimizing drag. The concept of aerodynamics as it relates to airplanes is almost identical to AEVs. To construct the fastest AEV possible for the project, we must minimize the drag force caused by the parts of the AEV.