The Enigma of the Aerofoil

The Enigma of the Aerofoil PDF Author: David Bloor
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 0226060934
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 562

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Book Description
Why do aircraft fly? How do their wings support them? In the early years of aviation, there was an intense dispute between British and German experts over the question of why and how an aircraft wing provides lift. The British, under the leadership of the great Cambridge mathematical physicist Lord Rayleigh, produced highly elaborate investigations of the nature of discontinuous flow, while the Germans, following Ludwig Prandtl in Göttingen, relied on the tradition called “technical mechanics” to explain the flow of air around a wing. Much of the basis of modern aerodynamics emerged from this remarkable episode, yet it has never been subject to a detailed historical and sociological analysis. In The Enigma of the Aerofoil, David Bloor probes a neglected aspect of this important period in the history of aviation. Bloor draws upon papers by the participants—their restricted technical reports, meeting minutes, and personal correspondence, much of which has never before been published—and reveals the impact that the divergent mathematical traditions of Cambridge and Göttingen had on this great debate. Bloor also addresses why the British, even after discovering the failings of their own theory, remained resistant to the German circulation theory for more than a decade. The result is essential reading for anyone studying the history, philosophy, or sociology of science or technology—and for all those intrigued by flight.

The Enigma of the Aerofoil

The Enigma of the Aerofoil PDF Author: David Bloor
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 0226060934
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 562

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Book Description
Why do aircraft fly? How do their wings support them? In the early years of aviation, there was an intense dispute between British and German experts over the question of why and how an aircraft wing provides lift. The British, under the leadership of the great Cambridge mathematical physicist Lord Rayleigh, produced highly elaborate investigations of the nature of discontinuous flow, while the Germans, following Ludwig Prandtl in Göttingen, relied on the tradition called “technical mechanics” to explain the flow of air around a wing. Much of the basis of modern aerodynamics emerged from this remarkable episode, yet it has never been subject to a detailed historical and sociological analysis. In The Enigma of the Aerofoil, David Bloor probes a neglected aspect of this important period in the history of aviation. Bloor draws upon papers by the participants—their restricted technical reports, meeting minutes, and personal correspondence, much of which has never before been published—and reveals the impact that the divergent mathematical traditions of Cambridge and Göttingen had on this great debate. Bloor also addresses why the British, even after discovering the failings of their own theory, remained resistant to the German circulation theory for more than a decade. The result is essential reading for anyone studying the history, philosophy, or sociology of science or technology—and for all those intrigued by flight.

Understanding Aerodynamics

Understanding Aerodynamics PDF Author: Doug McLean
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118454227
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 578

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Book Description
Much-needed, fresh approach that brings a greater insight into the physical understanding of aerodynamics Based on the author’s decades of industrial experience with Boeing, this book helps students and practicing engineers to gain a greater physical understanding of aerodynamics. Relying on clear physical arguments and examples, Mclean provides a much-needed, fresh approach to this sometimes contentious subject without shying away from addressing "real" aerodynamic situations as opposed to the oversimplified ones frequently used for mathematical convenience. Motivated by the belief that engineering practice is enhanced in the long run by a robust understanding of the basics as well as real cause-and-effect relationships that lie behind the theory, he provides intuitive physical interpretations and explanations, debunking commonly-held misconceptions and misinterpretations, and building upon the contrasts provided by wrong explanations to strengthen understanding of the right ones. Provides a refreshing view of aerodynamics that is based on the author’s decades of industrial experience yet is always tied to basic fundamentals. Provides intuitive physical interpretations and explanations, debunking commonly-held misconceptions and misinterpretations Offers new insights to some familiar topics, for example, what the Biot-Savart law really means and why it causes so much confusion, what “Reynolds number” and “incompressible flow” really mean, and a real physical explanation for how an airfoil produces lift. Addresses "real" aerodynamic situations as opposed to the oversimplified ones frequently used for mathematical convenience, and omits mathematical details whenever the physical understanding can be conveyed without them.

Theory of Lift

Theory of Lift PDF Author: G. D. McBain
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118346289
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 357

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Book Description
Starting from a basic knowledge of mathematics and mechanics gained in standard foundation classes, Theory of Lift: Introductory Computational Aerodynamics in MATLAB/Octave takes the reader conceptually through from the fundamental mechanics of lift to the stage of actually being able to make practical calculations and predictions of the coefficient of lift for realistic wing profile and planform geometries. The classical framework and methods of aerodynamics are covered in detail and the reader is shown how they may be used to develop simple yet powerful MATLAB or Octave programs that accurately predict and visualise the dynamics of real wing shapes, using lumped vortex, panel, and vortex lattice methods. This book contains all the mathematical development and formulae required in standard incompressible aerodynamics as well as dozens of small but complete working programs which can be put to use immediately using either the popular MATLAB or free Octave computional modelling packages. Key features: Synthesizes the classical foundations of aerodynamics with hands-on computation, emphasizing interactivity and visualization. Includes complete source code for all programs, all listings having been tested for compatibility with both MATLAB and Octave. Companion website (www.wiley.com/go/mcbain) hosting codes and solutions. Theory of Lift: Introductory Computational Aerodynamics in MATLAB/Octave is an introductory text for graduate and senior undergraduate students on aeronautical and aerospace engineering courses and also forms a valuable reference for engineers and designers.

Wing Theory

Wing Theory PDF Author: Robert Thomas Jones
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 1400860776
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 227

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Book Description
Originator of many of the theories used in modern wing design, Robert T. Jones surveys the aerodynamics of wings from the early theories of lift to modern theoretical developments. This work covers the behavior of wings at both low and high speeds, including the range from very low Reynolds numbers to the determination of minimum drag at supersonic speed. Emphasizing analytical techniques, Wing Theory provides invaluable physical principles and insights for advanced students, professors, and aeronautical engineers, as well as for scientists involved in computational approaches to the subject. This book is based on over forty years of theoretical and practical work performed by the author and other leading researchers in the field of aerodynamics. Originally published in 1990. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Gas Lift Theory and Practice, Including a Review of Petroleum Engineering Fundamentals

Gas Lift Theory and Practice, Including a Review of Petroleum Engineering Fundamentals PDF Author: Kermit E. Brown
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Oil wells
Languages : en
Pages : 946

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Book Description
The book begins with " a comprehensive review of petroleum engineering fundamentals, including conversion and dimensional analysis, liquid properties, reservoir mechanics as related to artificial lift and curve fitting. It also covers the entire spectrum of multiphase flow and flowing well. There is also a complete discussion of all types of gas lift valves and varieties of gas lift installations. The design of gas lift installations for pressure operated valves, liquid operated valves is covered in detail. A special section is devoted to compressor selection and the concluding section of the book presents methods of analyzing working lift installations."

Flight Theory and Aerodynamics

Flight Theory and Aerodynamics PDF Author: Charles E. Dole
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119233402
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 384

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Book Description
The pilot's guide to aeronautics and the complex forces of flight Flight Theory and Aerodynamics is the essential pilot's guide to the physics of flight, designed specifically for those with limited engineering experience. From the basics of forces and vectors to craft-specific applications, this book explains the mechanics behind the pilot's everyday operational tasks. The discussion focuses on the concepts themselves, using only enough algebra and trigonometry to illustrate key concepts without getting bogged down in complex calculations, and then delves into the specific applications for jets, propeller crafts, and helicopters. This updated third edition includes new chapters on Flight Environment, Aircraft Structures, and UAS-UAV Flight Theory, with updated craft examples, component photos, and diagrams throughout. FAA-aligned questions and regulatory references help reinforce important concepts, and additional worked problems provide clarification on complex topics. Modern flight control systems are becoming more complex and more varied between aircrafts, making it essential for pilots to understand the aerodynamics of flight before they ever step into a cockpit. This book provides clear explanations and flight-specific examples of the physics every pilot must know. Review the basic physics of flight Understand the applications to specific types of aircraft Learn why takeoff and landing entail special considerations Examine the force concepts behind stability and control As a pilot, your job is to balance the effects of design, weight, load factors, and gravity during flight maneuvers, stalls, high- or low-speed flight, takeoff and landing, and more. As aircraft grow more complex and the controls become more involved, an intuitive grasp of the physics of flight is your most valuable tool for operational safety. Flight Theory and Aerodynamics is the essential resource every pilot needs for a clear understanding of the forces they control.

Unified Theoretical Foundations of Lift and Drag in Viscous and Compressible External Flows

Unified Theoretical Foundations of Lift and Drag in Viscous and Compressible External Flows PDF Author: Luo-Qin Liu
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9811062234
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 154

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Book Description
This thesis analyzes aerodynamic forces in viscous and compressible external flows. It is unique, as the force theories discussed apply to fully viscous and compressible Navier-Stokes external flows, allowing them to be readily combined with computational fluid dynamics to form a profound basis of modern aerodynamics. This thesis makes three fundamental contributions to theoretical aerodynamics, presenting: (1) a universal far-field zonal structure that determines how disturbance flow quantities decay dynamically to the state of rest at infinity; (2) a universal and exact total-force formula for steady flow and its far-field asymptotics; and (3) a general near-field theory for the detailed diagnosis of all physical constituents of aerodynamic force and moment.

Theoretical Aerodynamics

Theoretical Aerodynamics PDF Author: L. M. Milne-Thomson
Publisher: Courier Corporation
ISBN: 0486151832
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 464

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Book Description
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.

Theory of Jets in Ideal Fluids

Theory of Jets in Ideal Fluids PDF Author: M. I. Gurevich
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 1483261751
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 602

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Book Description
Theory of Jets in Ideal Fluids focuses on the use of hydrodynamics in the theory of jets in ideal fluids. The publication first offers information on the introduction to the theory of plane and steady jet flows and flow from a vessel. Discussions focus on flow from a rectangular vessel with an orifice at a corner; vessel with a funnel-shaped bottom and Borda's nozzle; flow from the opening between two flat plates; and Kirchhoff's method. The text then examines infinite flow past a polygonal obstacle, flow around curvilinear obstacles, and flow around a body at small cavitation number. Topics include cavitating flow around a circular cylinder; cavitating flow around a thin profile at an arbitrary angle of attack; cavitating flow around a flat plate; Villat's integro-differential equation and the existence and uniqueness of the solution; and flow past a plate with the separation from its upper surface. The book takes a look at the flow of a heavy fluid and the effects of surface tension, axisymmetric flow, jet flow of compressible fluid, and unsteady flows. The publication is a dependable reference for hydrodynamicists wanting to explore the theory of jets in ideal fluids.

The Theory of Induced Lift and Minimum Induced Drag of Nonplanar Lifting Systems

The Theory of Induced Lift and Minimum Induced Drag of Nonplanar Lifting Systems PDF Author: Clarence D. Cone (Jr.)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Aerodynamic load
Languages : en
Pages : 44

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Book Description
The basic theory of the induced lift and drag of nonplanar, circulation lifting systems is investigated, and conformal transformation and electrical-analog techniques are developed for determining the minimum induced drag of arbitrary systems. Several complex systems are analyzed to illustrate the procedures. Problems attending the practical application of the results to airfoil design are discussed and possible solutions suggested.