Do aerodynamics apply in space?

Answer 1

Wasn't going to answer this question till I saw the other answerers were steering you wrong. Aerodynamics is very important in space...in space, its called gas dynamics. Star formation is affected dramatically by gas dynamics as infalling gases & dust from a dense, but dark nebula draw together from mutual gravitational attraction. As the gases flow together at scores of times the speed of sound, pressures, temperatures & shockwaves build & the infalling gases slam to a halt many astronomical units from forming a star. The gases swirl in a quasi equilibrium state till angular momentum, heat & energy are shed to the outer layers of the dark nebula. After angular momentum, heat & energy are shed, the gases begin infalling again till stopped again by rising pressures, temperatures, & gathering shockwaves. The cycle is repeated over & over & over till the gases come together, all the time shedding angular momentum, heat & energy. Eventually, the gases(now becoming a star) gain consistent density, pressure, & temperature till they fire up internal nuclear combustions that drive the star to generate its own thermonuclear heat & not just heat & pressure from infalling gases....very dynamic & very gaseous. ha ha ha Also, gas dynamics play huge parts in the formation of galaxies & work with gravity to shape galaxies in their many varied forms. Gas dynamics play overwhelming roles in intergalactic spaces where temperatures soar to millions of degrees between galaxies & determine the structure of galaxy superclusters, the largest structures in the universe. Gas dynamics play great roles in the swirling heats generated around neutron stars, blackholes, & pulsars. Gas dynamics, as mentioned, play big roles in dark nebulas, & also bright emission nebulas. & planetary nebulas are a complex of gas dynamics & electromagnetic force fields forming intricate & lovely gas clouds. Yes, wherever gas & dust clouds are in space, gas dynamics plays a part. You might think I'm not talking about space with all the motions & heats of gas & dust. But the dark & bright nebulas have densities less than the best man-made vacuums on Earth. & the million degree temperatures of inter-galactic space....the inter-galactic individual viciously hot atoms are so far apart, that ordinary thermometers would not register the million degree heat.

Answer 2

Aerodynamics explains the effects of resistance on objects in a fluid medium. Much of aerodynamics can be applied to aircraft and even seacraft (however, this has its own field called hydrodynamics which is basically aerodynamics with a more dense medium).

Because space is essesntially devoid of particles and molecules (not really, but the effects of these particles is negligible) there is no resistance cause by fluids (yes, gas is a fluid). Therefore, aerodynamics does not apply.

The only thing that can be said to apply is the solar wind, which is the particulate ejected from the Sun and flung out into space. However, this has negligent effects on the flight of objects unless the object is specifically designed to harness the "wind".

Of course, it applies to many spacecraft as we know them today because in order to get to space they still have to fly through the atmosphere of Earth. That is why the Shuttle and all rocket fairings are designed to optimize their aerodynamics vs the mission parameters.

Answer 3

Astronomers declare the universe is increasing like a fat guy ingesting McDonalds and that the area between galaxies is transforming into better over the years. of direction this rediculus declare violates the 1st rule of enterprise, you won't be able to get some thing for no longer something. once you purchase a bite of land, does it only shop on transforming into larger without you having to get yet another very own loan or 2? the value of increasing area-time could be astronomical! who is going to pay for an increasing universe? no person! because of the fact no person can locate the money for it, enormously with the recession. what's much greater rediculus is that astronomers declare the enhance of the universe is accelerating. no longer only is it supposedly getting larger, this is getting larger swifter and swifter. What a load of...

Answer 4

Hi,

It depends on what you mean, the "solar wind" can be used to propel a spacecraft, and while that isn't real wind, it's still aerodynamics.

As for the shape of a spacecraft to make it less susceptible to drag? no.

Hope that helps,
Matt

Answer 5

I found that out many years ago while doing the first space flight in a jet aircraft it dose have an effect no drag on the aerols one has got to make large turns without a thruster on the wings and wait for the nose to turn slightly in that direction to give it throtle to manuver the craft.

Answer 6

No, beacuse space is a frictionless environment. That's why satelites and many probes designed by humans have strange shapes, see for instance the shape of the lunar landing module used in the apolo missions.

Answer 7

Hi. To a tiny extent. The Earth's atmosphere extends in trace amounts out to about the orbit of the Moon. The Shuttle flies in a way to minimize the interaction with these traces.

Answer 8

No. Aerodynamics is about moving through air, and there is no air in space.

Answer 9

no, because there is no gravity or wind