Aerospace Engineering Terms & Definitions

Aerodynamics

The study of how air moves around objects and affects flight.

Lift

The upward force that opposes gravity and helps an aircraft stay in the air.

Drag

The force of air resistance that opposes motion through the air.

Thrust

The forward force that propels an aircraft through the air.

Gravity

The force that pulls objects toward the Earth.

Airfoil

A wing-shaped surface designed to generate lift.

Angle of Attack

The angle between an airfoil and the direction of the oncoming airflow.

Bernoulli's Principle

The principle stating that faster-moving air has lower pressure, helping create lift.

Air Pressure

The force exerted by air molecules on a surface.

Stability

The ability of an aircraft to maintain controlled flight and return to balance after disturbances.

Center of Gravity

The point at which an aircraft's weight is evenly balanced.

Altitude

The height of an aircraft above the Earth's surface.

Flight Path

The route or trajectory followed by an aircraft during flight.

Turbulence

Irregular airflow that can cause sudden changes in an aircraft's motion.

Yaw

Rotation of an aircraft around its vertical axis.

Pitch

Rotation of an aircraft around its side-to-side axis, causing the nose to move up or down.

Roll

Rotation of an aircraft around its front-to-back axis, causing one wing to rise and the other to lower.

Propulsion

The system or method used to move an aircraft forward.

Prototype

An early model built to test and improve a design.

Aerospace Engineering

The branch of engineering focused on the design, development, testing, and operation of aircraft and spacecraft.