The more streamlined an object is, the smaller the wake it creates. The area of turbulent wake behind an object has less pressure than the area in front of the object, thus a backward force is generated. Although the three shapes above have the same diameter, the teardrop is more streamlined—it has a rounded front and tapered tail, a shape that slips through the air more smoothly and helps reduce pressure drag.
Categories:
Gravity & Air
Aerodynamics