In flight mechanics, dynamic pressure refers to the force per unit area exerted by the air in motion on an aircraft. It represents the kinetic energy of the air molecules colliding with the aircraft’s surfaces, providing a measure of the intensity of aerodynamic interactions. Dynamic pressure depends on the aircraft’s airspeed and the density of the surrounding air. This parameter is essential for aerodynamic analyses as it influences lift and drag forces, aiding in the comprehensive understanding of an aircraft’s performance and behavior in flight. The formula to calculate Dynamic Pressure as follows:
Where:
- ρ is the density in kg/m3.
- M is the Mach Number.
- a is the Speed of Sound in m/s.
- q is the dynamic pressure.