Aerodynamics is the branch of fluid dynamics that focuses on the study of the behavior of air as it interacts with solid objects, particularly when those objects are moving through the air. It encompasses the analysis of forces and moments acting on bodies as they move, as well as the characteristics of airflow around them.
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Aerodynamics studies the motion of gases and their interaction with moving or stationary bodies. The resulting surface pressure and viscous stress determine lift and drag on an aircraft, a turbine blade or a moving vehicle.
A useful model depends on dimensionless comparisons. The Reynolds number compares inertial and viscous effects; the Mach number compares flow speed with the speed of sound. Low Mach number can justify an approximately incompressible flow, whereas transonic and supersonic motion may produce shock waves. A wing's lift follows from the complete pressure and momentum balance, rather than a requirement that air parcels passing above and below reunite simultaneously.