Aerothermodynamics

/ˌɛəroʊˌθɜrmoʊdaɪˈnæmɪks/ noun

Definition

The branch of physics that studies how heat and thermal energy behave in moving air and gases.

Etymology

Plural or nominalized form of aerothermodynamic, combining Greek roots aero- (air), thermo- (heat), and dynamics (forces of motion). This field formalized in the mid-20th century as aerospace engineering advanced.

Kelly Says

Aerothermodynamics explains why your car's tires heat up on the highway—moving air compresses and heats against surfaces, the same principle that makes meteor showers glow as they slam into the upper atmosphere at 44 miles per second.

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