A History of Aerodynamics: And Its Impact on Flying Machines

by John D. Anderson, Jr

Overview

Aerodynamic principles that make flight possible were little known or barely understood as recently as one hundred years ago. Although their roots can be found in the fluid dynamics of ancient Greek science, it was not until the scientific breakthroughs at the beginning of the twentieth century that it became possible to design successful flying machines. This book presents the history of aerodynamics, intertwined with a review of the aircraft that were developed as technology advanced. Beginning with the scientific theories and experiments of Aristotle and Archimedes, the book continues through the applied and theoretical aerodynamics in the early 1900s, and concludes with modern hypersonic and computational aerodynamics. Students, fluid dynamicists, aeronautical engineers, and historians of technology will find this book a thoroughly engrossing account of the role of aerodynamics in the development of science and technology in this century.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521669559
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/28/1999
Series:	Cambridge Aerospace Series , #8
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	494
Product dimensions:	7.01(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.18(d)

Table of Contents

Part I. The Incubation Phase: 1. Aerodynamics - what is it?; 2. The prehistory of aerodynamics - from antiquity to Da Vinci; 3. The dawn of aerodynamic thought - to George Cayley and the concept of the modern airplane configuration; Part II. The Infancy of Aerodynamics and Some Growing Pains: 4. The infancy of aerodynamics - to Lilienthal and Langley; Part III. Aerodynamics Comes of Age: 5. Applied aerodynamics comes of age: the Wright brothers; 6. Theoretical aerodynamics comes of age: the circulation theory of lift, and boundary layer theory; Part IV. Twentieth-Century Aerodynamics: 7. Aerodynamics in the age of strut-and-wire biplanes; 8. Aerodynamics in the age of mature propellor-driven airplanes; 9. Aerodynamics in the age of the jet airplane; Epilogue.

Editorial Reviews

"...a very important contribution to the history of aeronautics, well written and technically competent." Choice

"...a well documented, tastefully compiled, and chronicled historical development of the field of aerodynamics...This reviewer recommends this good book to all individuals involved with hydrodynamics, aerodynamics, airplanes, turbo machinery applied mechanics, and the history of science as well as to all technical university libraries." Applied Mechanics Reviews

"...written with a handsome style and supplemented with a large number of illustrations...this well-documented, highly readable book does indeed contribute to enlighten the background of the science of aerodynamics and, as such, is recommended to all students, engineers and researchers working in the field of aeronautics." European Journal of Mechanics

"The textual balance achieved by the author has resulted in a book that is enjoyable and educational...This book on the history of aerodynamics adds a much needed dimension to an historian's interest in aircraft and aviation. To appreciate the development of today's aircraft, it is important that we understand the past." American Aviation Historical Newsletter

"The book contains a rich bibliography and may be useful for students, including postgraduate students, and specialists in the field of aerodynamics and fluid dynamics." Mathematical Reviews

"...this is an excellent book that deserves a very wide readership." The Times Higher

"This book is a notable contribution to the history of technology and is recommended reading for all practising aerodynamicists and aeronautical students." The Aeronautical Journal

"anyone with a sincere and deep intertest in the evolution of the areoplane ought to read it." Aeroplane

From the Publisher