Flight Physics (PDF)

This book contains a synthesis of the fundamental disciplines and applications involved in the description and analysis of aircraft flight. It covers introductions into the fields of atmospheric properties, applied aerodynamics, aircraft propulsion, flight performance, and stability and control. Since it emphasizes the practical side of flight physics, attention is duly paid to the historical development of aviation and specific aeronautical technologies.

The present text emphasizes the connection of all relevant aeronautical disciplines by presenting a carefully selected set of interrelated subjects. Most of these are treated by definitions of elementary concepts, descriptions of the various physical phenomena and mathematical derivations. Wherever possible and useful, explanations have been further clarified by including graphical illustrations, numerical examples and photographs.

The main body of the text applies to aircraft operating at fairly low speeds, where the compressibility of the atmospheric air is of secondary importance. A separate chapter is devoted to flight speeds approaching and exceeding the speed of sound. The large variety of existing aircraft categories has been narrowed down to (fixed-wing) aeroplanes with conventional take-off and landing performances. Elements of helicopter flight are reviewed in a separate chapter.

To encourage further reading, all nine chapters include a comprehensive list of related publications.