Aeronautics

Aeronautics

The branch of science that deals with flight aerodynamics and with the operation of all types of aircraft.

Contributors in Aeronautics

Aeronautics

A small deflector that can be raised into the air flowing over an airfoil. When a spoiler is raised into the airstream, it disturbs the smooth flow of air and destroys part of the lift the airfoil is ...

Microprocessor

Aviation; Aeronautics

A small central processing unit (CPU) for a microcomputer. A microprocessor is built into a single integrated circuit chip, and it includes the arithmetic-logic unit (ALU), the control unit, and the ...

Dedicated computer

Aviation; Aeronautics

A small digital computer, often built into an instrument or control device, that contains a built-in programme to perform a specific function. A digital autopilot is a dedicated computer to control ...

Tickler coil

Aviation; Aeronautics

A small coil in series with the collector of a transistor in an oscillator circuit. The tickler coil is part of a feedback circuit. Current flowing through the tickler coil induces a voltage in an ...

Helipad

Aviation; Aeronautics

A small designated area, usually with a prepared surface, on a heliport, airport landing/takeoff area, apron/ramp, or movement area used for takeoff, landing, or parking of helicopters.

Smile

Aviation; Aeronautics

A small curved dent in the sheet metal around a rivet head. The smile is caused by the rivet set being held at an angle to the rivet head, rather than straight in line with the head.

Expansion turbine

Aviation; Aeronautics

A small turbine in an air-cycle cooling system that extracts energy from compressed air as it drives a compressor. Bleed air containing a large amount of energy is taken from the turbine-engine ...