Energy loss/transformation due to Aerodynamic drag?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Simas
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Drag Energy
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

A vehicle experiences a loss of Kinetic Energy due to aerodynamic drag, which is a form of resistance encountered while moving through air. This lost Kinetic Energy is transformed into heat, similar to how friction converts the kinetic energy of sliding objects into thermal energy. The discussion confirms that the energy dissipated by aerodynamic forces ultimately contributes to an increase in thermal energy within the surrounding air molecules.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Kinetic Energy and its principles
  • Basic knowledge of thermodynamics and energy transformation
  • Familiarity with aerodynamic drag concepts
  • Awareness of friction and its effects on energy loss
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of thermodynamics related to energy transformation
  • Explore the effects of aerodynamic drag on vehicle performance
  • Study the relationship between friction and heat generation in mechanical systems
  • Investigate methods to reduce aerodynamic drag in vehicle design
USEFUL FOR

Automotive engineers, physicists, and anyone interested in the principles of energy transformation and vehicle efficiency.

Simas
Messages
19
Reaction score
2
A vehicle loses Kinetic Energy because of aerodynamic resistance.
But taken into account the conservation of energy, to which type of energy is the "lost" Kinetic Energy transformed?
Is this Kinetic Energy transformed into heat just like friction transforms the kinetic energy of a sliding object into heat?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Yes, you answered your own question. Heat.

The air molecules may swirl for a while having their own kinetic energy, but eventually it all becomes heat.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: RogueOne
Thank you for your fast confirmation
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
1K