aerodynamic trail

aerodynamic trail

[‚e·ro·dī′nam·ik ′trāl] (fluid mechanics) A condensation trail formed by adiabatic cooling to saturation (or slight supersaturation) of air passing over the surfaces of high-speed aircraft.

aerodynamic trail

A condensation trail formed by adiabatic cooling to saturation (or slightly supersaturation) of air passing over the surfaces of high-speed aircraft. Aerodynamic trails form off the tips of wings, propellers, and other points of maximum pressure decrease. They are relatively rare and of short duration compared with exhaust trails.