Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 July 2016
The gustiness of the atmosphere is studied, among other reasons, because of its importance in producing loads on aeroplane structures much larger than the loads occurring in calm air.
Atmospheric turbulence is studied by observing the behaviour of aeroplanes passing through it, by observing the motion of balloons or other articles carried along by the wind itself, or by examining the fluctuations in velocity or direction occurring at a point fixed relative to the earth. The first of these methods is the most flexible and is the most convenient for aeronautical investigators.