An experimental evaluation of analytical techniques for predicting certain stability and control characteristics of a large flexible aircraft is presented. Analytical methods based on both the model approach and flexibility influence coefficients are developed to predict the aerodynamic characteristics of a flexible airplane. These methods are then applied to a flexibly scaled model of a supersonic transport configuration. Comparisons of wind-tunnel data, calculations based on the model approach, and flexibility influence coefficients are presented over the Mach number range from 0.6 to 2.7. An examination of the results obtained from this study indicates that both analytical techniques predict reasonably well the effect of flexibility on the basic longitudinal characteristics and that both techniques give generally comparable results.

The lack of progress in understanding the physics of rotorcraft loads and vibration over the last 30 years is addressed in this paper. As befits this extraordinarily difficult problem, the reasons for the lack of progress are complicated and difficult to ascertain. It is proposed here that the difficulty lies within at least three areas: 1) a loss of perspective as to what are the key factors in rotor loads and vibration, 2) the overlooking of serious unsolved problems in the field, and 3) cultural barriers that impede progress. Some criteria are suggested for future research to provide a more concentrated focus on the problem.

Elementary Flight Dynamics with an Introduction to Bifurcation and Continuation Methods, Second Edition is aimed at senior undergraduate and graduate students of aerospace and mechanical engineering. The book uses an optimal mix of physical insight and mathematical presentation to illustrate the core concepts of professional aircraft flight dynamics. An updated version of the aerodynamic model is presented with the corrected definition of rate (dynamic) derivatives, supported with examples of real-life airplanes and related data and by open-source computational tools. It introduces bifurcation and continuation methods as a tool for flight dynamic analysis. FEATURES Covers an up-to-date, corrected, ‘clean’ presentation of the elements of flight dynamics Presents a blend of theory, practice and application with real-life practical examples Provides a unique viewpoint of applied aerodynamicists and aircraft designers Introduces bifurcation and continuation methods as a tool for flight dynamics analysis Includes a computational tool with real-life examples carried throughout the chapters The book is enriched with case studies of flight dynamics of a bird’s flight, of a six-seater rigid-wing airplane from a design perspective, and airship dynamics to highlight the modal behaviour of similar-looking vehicles that are distinct from each other. Excerpts from reviews of the first edition: "Flight dynamics is a topic that can cause difficulties to aerospace engineering students. This text leads the reader gently through the material with plenty of practical examples and student exercises. As such, it is easy to follow the material and to gradually develop a deep understanding of a demanding topic. The book is ideal for undergraduate students and is a good text for graduate students."––James F. Whidborne, Cranfield University, United Kingdom "The book covers all the aspects of flight dynamics traditionally found in such texts interspersed with examples of the treatment of features of current air vehicles....In my opinion, this book covers the subject comprehensively and is a desirable reference source for undergraduates and graduates alike."––R.J. Poole, MRAeS, The Aeronautical Journal, June 2014 "The book design and the methodology of interpretation are directed to a wide range of target audience/population interested in studying the dynamics of flight. Given the scale and organization of information, the book will also be a useful tool in the analysis of flight dynamics for professionals in this field. The book is sure to appeal to anyone interested in the dynamics of flight."––Jaroslav Salga, Advances in Military Technology, June 2014

Written to teach students the nature of transonic flow and its mathematical foundation, this book offers a much-needed introduction to transonic aerodynamics. The authors present a quantitative and qualitative assessment of subsonic, supersonic and transonic flow around bodies in two and three dimensions. The book reviews the governing equations and explores their applications and limitations as employed in modeling and computational fluid dynamics. Some concepts, such as shock and expansion theory, are examined from a numerical perspective. Others, including shock-boundary-layer interaction, are discussed from a qualitative point of view. The book includes 60 examples and more than 200 practice problems. The authors also offer analytical methods such as Method of Characteristics (MOC) that allow readers to practice with the subject matter. The result is a wealth of insight into transonic flow phenomena and their impact on aircraft design, including compressibility effects, shock and expansion waves, shock-boundary-layer interaction and aeroelasticity.