Theoretical Aerodynamics

An excellent introduction to inviscid airflow using potential theory, this book is a classic in its field. Complete reprint of the revised 1966 edition, which brings the subject up to date.

Concise text discusses properties of wings and airfoils in incompressible and primarily inviscid flow, viscid flows, panel methods, finite difference methods, and computation of transonic flows past thin airfoils. 1984 edition.

This book is intended as a text for undergraduate and graduate courses in aerodynamics, typically offered to students of aerospace and mechanical engineering programs. It covers all aspects of aerodynamics. The book begins with a description of the standard atmosphere and basic concepts, then moves on to cover the equations and mathematical models used to describe and characterize flow fields, as well as their thermodynamic aspects and applications. Specific emphasis is placed on the relation between concepts and their use in aircraft design. Additional topics of interest to the reader are presented in the Appendix, which draws on the teachings provided in the text. The book is written in an easy to understand manner, with pedagogical aids such as chapter overviews, summaries, and descriptive and objective questions to help students evaluate their progress. Atmospheric and gas tables are provided to facilitate problem solving. Lastly, a detailed bibliography is included at the end of each chapter to provide students with further resources. The book can also be used as a text for professional development courses in aerodynamics.

Theoretical Aerodynamics is a user-friendly text for a full course on theoretical aerodynamics. The author systematically introduces aerofoil theory, its design features and performance aspects, beginning with the basics required, and then gradually proceeding to higher level. The mathematics involved is presented so that it can be followed comfortably, even by those who are not strong in mathematics. The examples are designed to fix the theory studied in an effective manner. Throughout the book, the physics behind the processes are clearly explained. Each chapter begins with an introduction and ends with a summary and exercises. This book is intended for graduate and advanced undergraduate students of Aerospace Engineering, as well as researchers and Designers working in the area of aerofoil and blade design. Provides a complete overview of the technical terms, vortex theory, lifting line theory, and numerical methods Presented in an easy-to-read style making full use of figures and illustrations to enhance understanding, and moves well simpler to more advanced topics Includes a complete section on fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, essential background topics to the theory of aerodynamics Blends the mathematical and physical concepts of design and performance aspects of lifting surfaces, and introduces the reader to the thin aerofoil theory, panel method, and finite aerofoil theory Includes a Solutions Manual for end-of-chapter exercises, and Lecture slides on the book's Companion Website

This book covers classical and modern aerodynamics, theories and related numerical methods, for senior and first-year graduate engineering students, including: -The classical potential (incompressible) flow theories for low speed aerodynamics of thin airfoils and high and low aspect ratio wings. - The linearized theories for compressible subsonic and supersonic aerodynamics. - The nonlinear transonic small disturbance potential flow theory, including supercritical wing sections, the extended transonic area rule with lift effect, transonic lifting line and swept or oblique wings to minimize wave drag. Unsteady flow is also briefly discussed. Numerical simulations based on relaxation mixed-finite difference methods are presented and explained. - Boundary layer theory for all Mach number regimes and viscous/inviscid interaction procedures used in practical aerodynamics calculations. There are also four chapters covering special topics, including wind turbines and propellers, airplane design, flow analogies and hypersonic (rotational) flows. A unique feature of the book is its ten self-tests and their solutions as well as an appendix on special techniques of functions of complex variables, method of characteristics and conservation laws and shock waves. The book is the culmination of two courses taught every year by the two authors for the last two decades to seniors and first-year graduate students of aerospace engineering at UC Davis.

Formally published for the first time, Professor William R. Sears classic work, "Introduction to Theoretical Aerodynamics and Hydrodynamics, "reflects many years of continual evolution as a course study guide at the Graduate School of Aeronautical Engineering at Cornell University, with updates prepared by his former students to enhance ease of use by todays students. Instructors will find this a superb textbook for a first course in ideal aerodynamics and/or hydrodynamics. Because Sears was a master of connecting mathematical concepts with physical fluid dynamic quantities, readers will find fundamental concepts directly connected to practical applications in the numerous step-by-step examples found throughout the book. SPECIAL FEATURES