Space Flight Mechanics In Elementary Presentation

;Contents: Fundamentals of rocket and space dynamics; Terrestrial flights; Flights to the moon; Interplanetary flights; Space flights.

Reflecting the results of twenty years; experience in the field of multipurpose flights, this monograph includes the complex routes of the trajectories of a number of bodies (e.g., space vehicles, comets) in the solar system. A general methodological approach to the research of flight schemes and the choice of optimal performances is developed. Additionally, a number of interconnected methods and algorithms used at sequential stages of such development are introduced, which allow the selection of a rational multipurpose route for a space vehicle, the design of multipurpose orbits, the determination of optimal space vehicle design, and ballistic performances for carrying out the routes chosen. Other topics include the practical results obtained from using these methods, navigation problems, near-to-planet orbits, and an overview of proven and new flight schemes.

During many of the earliest American and Russian space missions, experiments were performed using cables to connect people and objects to spacecraft in orbit. These attempts generated considerable information about the formation of tethered systems and basic problems with tether orientation and gravity-gradient stabilization. During the 1970s, interest in tethered space systems (TSS) came to the forefront with an international project that involved the hanging of a probe from a low-orbit satellite to collect data on the Earth and its atmosphere. Since that time, TSS has grown to become its own area of research. Dynamics of Tethered Space Systems brings together the work of seven leading researchers working at the forefront of TSS. Together, they provide a brief yet thorough introduction to TSS. Then, combining theory with experimental approaches important to industry, they cover the dynamics of the mechanical, physical, and mathematical modeling approaches involved in tethered satellite deployment. They present several models from the literature, focusing on the simplest but most important system: two satellites in orbit around the Earth. Discussion then expands to cover more complex examples. Along the way, the authors consider a number of important topics, such as energy production resulting from interaction between the system and Earth’s magnetic field and momentum transfer in relation to satellites, microgravity laboratories, and futuristic applications such as the space elevator. They also look at a number of challenges, including those with deployment and energy dissipation. Providing approaches to theoretical models and experimental methods, the text includes a wealth of essential equations and detailed analyses of forces acting on tethered objects in motion. It provides both a starting point for further research and the tools needed to apply that research to the applications of tomorrow.

For introductory course in space flight dynamics. A self-contained, integrated introduction to the performance aspects of flight -- how to get into space, how to get around in space, and how to return to Earth or land on another planet (as opposed to specialized areas of life support, guidance and control, or communications).

This compact volume equips the reader with all the facts and principles essential to a fundamental understanding of the theory of probability. It is an introduction, no more: throughout the book the authors discuss the theory of probability for situations having only a finite number of possibilities, and the mathematics employed is held to the elementary level. But within its purposely restricted range it is extremely thorough, well organized, and absolutely authoritative. It is the only English translation of the latest revised Russian edition; and it is the only current translation on the market that has been checked and approved by Gnedenko himself. After explaining in simple terms the meaning of the concept of probability and the means by which an event is declared to be in practice, impossible, the authors take up the processes involved in the calculation of probabilities. They survey the rules for addition and multiplication of probabilities, the concept of conditional probability, the formula for total probability, Bayes's formula, Bernoulli's scheme and theorem, the concepts of random variables, insufficiency of the mean value for the characterization of a random variable, methods of measuring the variance of a random variable, theorems on the standard deviation, the Chebyshev inequality, normal laws of distribution, distribution curves, properties of normal distribution curves, and related topics. The book is unique in that, while there are several high school and college textbooks available on this subject, there is no other popular treatment for the layman that contains quite the same material presented with the same degree of clarity and authenticity. Anyone who desires a fundamental grasp of this increasingly important subject cannot do better than to start with this book. New preface for Dover edition by B. V. Gnedenko.

Elementary Flight Dynamics with an Introduction to Bifurcation and Continuation Methods, Second Edition is aimed at senior undergraduate and graduate students of aerospace and mechanical engineering. The book uses an optimal mix of physical insight and mathematical presentation to illustrate the core concepts of professional aircraft flight dynamics. An updated version of the aerodynamic model is presented with the corrected definition of rate (dynamic) derivatives, supported with examples of real-life airplanes and related data and by open-source computational tools. It introduces bifurcation and continuation methods as a tool for flight dynamic analysis. FEATURES Covers an up-to-date, corrected, ‘clean’ presentation of the elements of flight dynamics Presents a blend of theory, practice and application with real-life practical examples Provides a unique viewpoint of applied aerodynamicists and aircraft designers Introduces bifurcation and continuation methods as a tool for flight dynamics analysis Includes a computational tool with real-life examples carried throughout the chapters The book is enriched with case studies of flight dynamics of a bird’s flight, of a six-seater rigid-wing airplane from a design perspective, and airship dynamics to highlight the modal behaviour of similar-looking vehicles that are distinct from each other. Excerpts from reviews of the first edition: "Flight dynamics is a topic that can cause difficulties to aerospace engineering students. This text leads the reader gently through the material with plenty of practical examples and student exercises. As such, it is easy to follow the material and to gradually develop a deep understanding of a demanding topic. The book is ideal for undergraduate students and is a good text for graduate students."––James F. Whidborne, Cranfield University, United Kingdom "The book covers all the aspects of flight dynamics traditionally found in such texts interspersed with examples of the treatment of features of current air vehicles....In my opinion, this book covers the subject comprehensively and is a desirable reference source for undergraduates and graduates alike."––R.J. Poole, MRAeS, The Aeronautical Journal, June 2014 "The book design and the methodology of interpretation are directed to a wide range of target audience/population interested in studying the dynamics of flight. Given the scale and organization of information, the book will also be a useful tool in the analysis of flight dynamics for professionals in this field. The book is sure to appeal to anyone interested in the dynamics of flight."––Jaroslav Salga, Advances in Military Technology, June 2014