What does Bernoulli's principle state about the relationship between velocity and pressure?

Bernoulli's principle describes the behavior of fluid flow and is fundamental in understanding aerodynamics. It states that in a streamline flow of an incompressible fluid, an increase in the fluid's velocity occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure. This inverse relationship occurs because of the conservation of energy principle in fluid dynamics.

When a fluid moves faster, the kinetic energy of the fluid increases. To conserve energy, the total energy in a flow must remain constant, which means that a rise in kinetic energy (from increased velocity) must be balanced by a decrease in potential energy, which in the context of fluid flow translates to a decrease in pressure.

This principle is critical for various applications in aviation, as it helps explain how airfoil shapes generate lift. When air flows over the curved surface of an airfoil, it speeds up, leading to lower pressure on top of the airfoil compared to the bottom, creating lift.

Understanding this principle helps explain airflow patterns and is vital for anyone studying aviation mechanics or aerodynamics.