Customer Reviews

The Elements of Aerofoil and Airscrew Theory (Cambridge Science Classics)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a great book on fundamental principles of aerodynamics. I used it during my final year of aeronautical engineering at the university in the mid-1980s. Certainly not for the beginner but rather those with a good background in Mathematics and Physics and are seeking a rigorous treatment of the subject would find the book interesting and useful.

The book has stood the test of time although it can do with some updates to take into account the latest analytical tools.

This book is great if you want to conceptually understand the physics of flying using differential calculus. I highly recommend it!

Like many British Aerodynamicists, I was taught the basics of aerofoil and wing design using courses based on this book. It covers much the same ground as Prandtl and Tietjens, but in a much clearer fashion. Of particular interest is the development of lifting-surface theory for finite wings using Fourier analysis.

Although most of what is contained in this book has been overtaken by new technology, the strength of the analytical approach shown here is that it gives the reader a better intuitive handle on the sensitivities of different parameters in the design problem.