When it comes to the design of planes and ships, you may have noticed that their bodies are often streamlined. This may have left you wondering why? Well, there’s actually a good reason for it.
The term “streamline” refers to the shape of an object that allows it to move through a fluid with the least possible resistance. In the case of planes and ships, the fluid is air or water respectively. Thus, when a plane or a ship moves through air or water, it encounters a resistance force known as drag that slows it down.
However, by designing the planes or ships in a streamlined manner, engineers and designers can reduce the drag force and make them travel faster more efficiently. The streamlined shape reduces the turbulence, which in turn reduces the drag force.
The streamlined design of a plane or a ship is created by curving the shape of the body, allowing fluid to flow over it in a smooth manner. The front sections of planes and ships are usually pointed or have a V-shaped bow, which helps to part the fluid and reduce the force of drag. The curves and shapes of the hull or the fuselage of the ship or the plane also follow a smooth, aerodynamic design to reduce air or water resistance.
It’s not just about reducing drag, though. The streamlined shapes of planes and ships also provide stability and make them easier to handle. For instance, a teardrop-shaped fuselage or a hull can help planes and ships to remain stable, even in turbulent weather and high seas.
The streamlined design is an essential factor when it comes to the engineering of planes and ships. By reducing the force of drag, reducing turbulence, and providing a stable platform, the streamlined shapes of these vehicles improve their efficiency and functionality.