Mechanics of Flight

Mechanics of Flight is an ideal introduction to the basic principles of flight for students embarking on courses in aerospace engineering, student pilots, apprentices in the industry and anyone who is simply interested in aircraft and space flight. Written in a straightforward and jargon-free style, this popular classic text makes the fascinating topic of aircraft flight engaging and easy to understand. Starting with an overview of the relevant aspects of mechanics, the book goes on to cover topics such as air and airflow, aerofoils, thrust, level flight, gliding, landing, performance, manoeuvres, stability and control. Important aspects of these topics are illustrated by a description of a trial flight in a light aircraft. The book also deals with flight at transonic and supersonic speeds, and finally orbital and space flight.Contents Preface to Twelfth Edition Acknowledgements Chapter 1 Mechanics Chapter 2 Air and airflow - subsonic speeds Chapter 3 Aerofoils - subsonic speeds Chapter 4 Thrust Chapter 5 Level flight Chapter 6 Gliding, landing and low-speed flight Chapter 7 Take-Off and Climb Chapter 8 Manoeuvres Chapter 9 Stability and control Chapter 10 A trial flight Chapter 11 Flight at transonic speeds Chapter 12 Flight at supersonic speeds Chapter 13 Space flight Appendixes 1 Aerofoil data 2 Scale effect and Reynolds Number 3 Numerical questions 4 Answers to numerical questions 5 Answers to non-numerical questions Index