"We have no way of finding the best possible shape yet"
In general, you're right but for certain class of problems we absolutely have solutions. Just look up inverse methods whereby the input is a pressure distribution and the output is a shape. This is used often for designing airfoils, ducts, and other simple geometries.
Re:The mysteries of aerodynamic lift
by minblaster on Tuesday February 04, 2020 @04:11PM
(#22241022)
Wouldn’t you say something that has an equation that works but no theory of why is mysterious?
Mysterious doesn’t mean magical, it just means there’s an unexplained gap in what we understand, which is the case.
But there is no unexplained gap. This might only be "mysterious" to somebody, but not in general. When you decide to title your article telling something is "mysterious" it suggests it is mysterious in general.
Anything could be said to be mysterious to somebody, there will always be somebody that has no knowledge to somebody. This way you can title anything as "mysterious" but it is not very useful (unless you count to bait clicks).
The fact that I do not understand the equations doesn't mean there is anything mysterious behind it.
There might be some artistry with regards to actually designing the aerodynamic shapes. We have no way of finding the best possible shape yet, this is largely a process of trial and error (though nowadays it can be automated with simulation without actually having to go through building physical model).