Reviews (15)

Fantastic resource
This was a required test for a rocket propulsion class, but it has become an invaluable resource for many classes.Purchased for at least 20% less than other outlets.

A Must-Have Textbook for every Aerospace Engineer
This is the single best book on rocket propulsion systems, covering both liquid and solid rocket engines, hybrid rocket systems, and a dedicated chapter on electric propulsion. The authors include excellent illustrations and graphs to enhance the text, and practical examples which help the reader to grasp the theory. After loaning a copy of this book for over two years from my library, i finally bought it! Definitely recommended to all engineers and scientists who want to expand into the area of rocket propulsion.

Beware of Typographical Errors
The readability of this book makes it a good investment for aspiring rocket engineers.Read more

Subjects:  1. Aeronautics & Astronautics    2. Astrophysics & Space Science    3. Aviation - General    4. Rocket Propulsion    5. Rocket engines    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. Aerodynamics    10. Aerospace & air transport industries    11. Aerospace & aviation technology    12. Engineering thermodynamics    13. Science / Astrophysics & Space Science   

Reviews (10)

An effective intro to the subject
This is a very good read, for an engineering textbook.It uses a rare combination of technical and historical explanations that holds the reader's interest enough to effectively provide him/her with the basic concepts of the subject it teaches.
Deep text, but good intro book
This book is definitely for serious aero engineering students. Very in-depth, very detailed. Don't expect light material for those who are with no background in some physics, statics and dynamics. Wish it had more examples for working on to better understand concepts, and more illustrations. Interesting book nonetheless.

A Great Introduction
This book is amazing. Most engineering texts are exhausting to read, but Anderson's is clear, organized, and complete. I've never had a better learning tool--I'll keep it for life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aerodynamics    2. Aeronautics & Astronautics    3. Aircraft Design And Construction    4. Airplanes    5. Applied Aerodynamics    6. Aviation - General    7. Aviation - Piloting & Flight Instruction    8. Design and construction    9. Technology    10. Technology & Industrial Arts    11. Transportation    12. Aerospace & aviation technology    13. Aircraft: general interest    14. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (10)

Outstanding
With no doubt this is the best Aerodynamics book for college students ever written...ever!Very clear explanations,full of examples and a good set of exercises to challenge your understanding of the subject. The only negative point is that there no answers to the problems.

Decent textbook
This book needs a good professor to go along with it. The examples have little to do with many things in the text and the book fails to emphasize which concepts are the most important.

Note that the 4th edition is out; info is on the McGraw-Hill website;
Fundamentals of Aerodynamics
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Subjects:  1. Aerodynamics    2. Aeronautics & Astronautics    3. Mechanics - Dynamics - Aerodynamics    4. Science    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Science / Mechanics / Dynamics / Aerodynamics   

Reviews (1)

A must have for all rotorcraft engineers
As an aerospace engineer I have read many books on rotorcraft and I mustadmit that this is the most up to date and useful text on rotorcraft that Ihave had the pleasure to read. There are many aspects of the text thatstand out, however the one I found most useful, especially as a graduatestudent, was that the equations are derived from engineering basics and areaccompanied by clear explanations of the principles involved. The text andequations are also supplimented by clear diagrams that serve to enhanceunderstanding of the more complex topics covered. All in all a great bookand one that I would highly recommend to both rotorcraft students andpracticing engineers alike. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aerodynamics    2. Aeronautics & Astronautics    3. Engineering - General    4. Helicopters    5. Mechanics - Dynamics - Aerodynamics    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Technology    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. Aerospace & aviation technology    10. Mechanical engineering    11. Technology / Engineering / General   

Reviews (1)

A must for anyone interested in panel methods
Comprehensive in both theoretical and numerical presentation. The authors show how to model invicid, incompressible aerodynamics using pnael methods which are based on potential theory. They also show how to incorporate viscosity inside the boundary layer. I found the book's detailed treatment of panel methods for unsteady aerodynamics particularly useful.Most textbooks only show the steady state case. The book is very practical with very good description of algorithms. At the end of the book, you can also find sample programs developed by authors' students. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aeronautics & Astronautics    2. Engineering - General    3. General    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Aerodynamics    8. Aerospace & aviation technology    9. Applied mathematics    10. Mechanical engineering    11. Technology / Engineering / General   

Reviews (2)

The only wind tunnel book available
This is the only book that contains everything one needs to know about sub sonic wind tunnel. For students doing a project or a course in experimental fluid mechanics, or those whose work involve aerodynamics, this will be a good reference. Anyone who has been through fluid mechanics courses during their undergraduate years know the importance of wind tunnel testing. This book covers topics from wind tunnel designs, to measurements, boundary corrections, testing procedures and the nonaeronautical applications of wind tunnel. The classic "must-have" for wind tunnel test work
The original is the one book everyone in the wind tunnel test area had open on their desk. It covered everything from overall theory of aerodynamic testing to details of wind tunnel design. The revision bringsit up to date with use of computers and digital test gear. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aeronautics & Astronautics    2. Applied Aerodynamics    3. Engineering - Mechanical    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Wind tunnels    8. Aerospace & aviation technology    9. Technology / Engineering / Mechanical    10. Testing of materials   

Subjects:  1. Aeronautics & Astronautics    2. Technology & Industrial Arts    3. Aerodynamics    4. Aerospace & aviation technology    5. Technology / Aeronautics & Astronautics   

Reviews (4)

good book ; bad translation
this is a classic book. however, the new 8th edition is not translated very well. i have an older english version (6th edition, 1968) that is translated much better. even where the content is the same between the two editions, the "updated" translation is worse that in the original version.

A Must-have Book for Fluid Mechanics Researchers!
This is the best and the most classical fluid mechanics book that i have read. Read it through carefully and you will get much from it. Reading it from time to time can give you many new knowledge every time.

Applause
An excellent resource.A tough act to follow for any other author of BLT books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aeronautics & Astronautics    2. Boundary layer    3. Fluid Mechanics    4. Mechanics - General    5. Physics    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Solid State Physics    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Aerodynamics    11. Flow, turbulence, rheology    12. Fluid Dynamics    13. Jpplied Mechanics    14. Science / Mechanics / Dynamics / Fluid Dynamics   

Subjects:  1. Aerodynamics    2. Buildings    3. Engineering - Civil    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Standards    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. United States    8. Wind-pressure    9. Structural engineering   

Reviews (6)

Relating Space for the Masses!!
Mr. Jerry Jon Seller's book, "Understanding Space" is an amazing textbook about the technical aspects of space.The text is well written, the diagrams are easily understood, and the "tech-factor" for space geeks is acceptably high.It is no wonder that the United States Air Force has recommended "Understanding Space" as its baseline text concerning Technical aspects of space flight.
A Must-Have for Undergrad Aerospace Students
The Air Force Academy has hit a grand slam with this book, and Embry-Riddle was wise to include it in its curriculum.This book is the equivalent of my coursework in 3rd Class Physics at West Point, but it has a decidedly aerospace slant to it that makes it an important piece for any person with a need to understand space.The illustrations are of superb quality and add to the learning experience of more visual learners unlike the Introduction to Astrodynamics book done by the Air Force Academy years earlier.

Review by Astro PhD
Excellent introduction book with some of the best illustrations to help you visualize the concepts.It is written at the high-school senior/college freshman level, so don't expect it to teach you anything as a grad student in Astro.But, for the price, it's a pretty good desk reference even for the grad student.
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Subjects:  1. Astronomy - General    2. Mechanics - Dynamics - Aerodynamics    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Science / Astronomy   

Reviews (8)

Good book for Flight Mechanics
A very thoroughly written book.I found some information on all-flying tails that I haven't found any where else.However, Dr. Phillips uses nomenclature that are not what I call traditional nomenclature.Not really a big problem, just different from what I'm use to.

A must have
This text provides unparalled detail in it's discussion of flight mechanics.It contains clear and concise derivations of underlying equations and has well planned figures and example problems.Subject matter includes static and dynamic stability, propulsion, lifting line theory, 6-dof flight simulation with quaternions, along with many other essential topics.I particularly appreciated the straightforward way in which Phillips applies numerical methods to solving many of the problems.The equations required are located in such a manner as to make it easy to find what you need.Though mainly geared toward subsonic flight, I have found the understanding gained through this book invaluable in the design of supersonic vehicles.This is a great book for students learning the subject for the first time and a must have for engineering professionals and aircraft enthusiasts.

Thorough, Meticulous, Comprehensive
I am an Aerospace engineer working for the Air Force.While attending the annual AIAA aerospace convention in Reno Nevada, I met a professor from Denmark who raved about the work and research of a professor local to the west, Phillips.This seasoned scholar from Denmark wouldn't miss a session if he found Phillips' name appearing in it.I picked up the "Mechanics of Flight" which was on display for the first time at that conference.Due to the mountain of topics covered (900+ pages) I can't say that I have read every line of that book but the material I studied was impressive.I've never seen such complete derivations right from F=MA.The explanations are meticulous and thorough.I coded a real-time 6-DOF flight simulator for a midsized RCAV using this book as the main reference.I've never seen such a straightforward explanation of Quaternion algebra.If there were a "bible" of flight mechanics and dynamics, I would certainly give this my vote over any other in its class. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aerodynamics    2. Aeronautics & Astronautics    3. Applied Aerodynamics    4. Engineering - Mechanical    5. Flight    6. Flight control    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Technology    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Mechanical Engineering & Materials    11. Technology / Engineering / Mechanical   

Reviews (12)

No math
This book does an outstanding job of explaining the basics of flight: how and why planes fly, what matters in wing design, how propellers work, how jet engines work. It does this with no math, and some good clear use of Newton's 3 laws.
Changing the paradigm
For a pilot that was tought aerodynamics based in Bernoulli theories, this is a total change of the old paradigm. It explain the concepts in very simple words. Every one can understand the Coanda Effect and its importance in aerodynamics.
One take on the subject
As a life long pilot and college professor of aviation, I have long been aggrevated by the one sided nature of aerodynamic discussions. I was glad to see this book hit the shelves. While not perfect, it does go into great detail about "Newtonian" lift. However, the authors' dismissal of Bernoulli is somewhat inappropriate and premature. It is hard to argue with wind tunnel data that clearly shows pressure differences surround bodies (not just wings). Perhaps some discussion about why many individuals are confused about Bernoulli would be more useful than simple dismissal. If readers keep all of this in mind while absorbing the authors' examples/foundations about Newton, one's overall understanding about lift will improve. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aerodynamics    2. Aeronautical Engineering (General)    3. Aeronautics & Astronautics    4. Aviation - Commercial    5. Aviation - General    6. Aviation - Piloting & Flight Instruction    7. Flight    8. Transportation    9. Aerospace & aviation technology    10. Transportation / Aviation / General   

Reviews (3)

The Basics and More
This book will be very helpful to pilots who want an "intuitive" understanding of aerodynamics. It will allow them to apply the information that is only touched on in other beginning piloting texts. I am considering using it as a textbook for a community college pilot technology curriculum. His explanation of wing lift does not emphasize Newton enough and seems to over emphasize Bernoulli, but this is not intended as a highly technical or mathematical approach. It is real world information for the pilot.

An excellent reference for pilots and aircraft homebuilders
I found Skip Smith's book to be an excellent layman's introduction to aerodynamics. Fluid mechanics does not usually make for interesting, easily comprehensible reading, but Dr. Smith's book is clearly the exception.I'mconstantly irritated by the very inaccurate descriptions of aerodynamicsgiven in many flying magazines and instructional books. This book hasnoneof those common errors. Reading this book should greatly increase theaverage pilot's knowledge of how his plane flies and what huge designconstraints aeronatical engineers have to live with. Highly recommendedreading for all those who are interested in learning more about theprinciples of flight.

Comprehensive, simple and comprehensible
Unless one has considerable experience interpreting mathematical formulae, it may be worth their while to consider a book such as this before reading a university level aerodynamics textbook.The textbook will be made somewhat more comprehensible knowing the basic principlew which a more descriptive book, such as this one, can teach simply.Most textbooks in the subject, even those meant as introductory, give a painfully mathematical and theoretical treatment with insufficient verbal explanation.They are meant for complete school courses, where a teacher can qualitatively describe the physical principles. Read more

Subjects:  1. Technology & Industrial Arts    2. Aeronautics & Astronautics    3. Aerospace & aviation technology    4. Technology / Aeronautics & Astronautics    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Aerodynamics    7. Technology   

Reviews (1)

Excellent coverage of the subject
This is the most thorough book on the subject I have ever seen. A very broad wealth of material is included. Contrary to what one sees in books on such specialized subjects, this one goes into the details. A must for compressor designers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aerodynamics    2. Aeronautics & Astronautics    3. Compressors    4. Engineering - Mechanical    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Technology    7. Technology & Industrial Arts    8. Mechanical engineering   

Reviews (1)

Excellent Aviation Reference For All Experience Levels
"The Encyclopedia of Technical Aviation" is a valuable addition to the library of any pilot, or for that matter anyone interested in aviation. It is organized alphabetically, as you would expect, and has extensive explanations of most any aviation related term you can think of. As an aside, the only term I have tried to look up and have not found is "RAT" (Ram Air Temperature). It does include "TAT" (Total Air Temperature), but I was trying to find the definitive answer on how the two differ. Read more

Subjects:  1. Aeronautics & Astronautics    2. Aviation - General    3. Aviation - Piloting & Flight Instruction    4. Encyclopedias    5. Transportation    6. Aerospace & aviation technology    7. Reference works    8. Science / Mechanics / Dynamics / Aerodynamics   

Reviews (9)

The best ever
For aeromodelers or for guys who want to learn about low reynolds behavior, this is the Bible.

Great for understanding planes of all sizes
Even though its focus is models, this book is a great inexpensive companion to the far more costly textbooks on full-scale airplane design. A lot of its discussion is applicable to aircraft of any scale. About 1/3 of the book is devoted to airfoils, including discussions of section shape, camber, turbulent flow, laminar flow and the impact of Reynolds number. Like the other reviewer I particular like the appendixes which cover almost 130 pages of this book. The appendixes contain most of the math in the book, including the mathematical formulas for computing lift coefficient, camber, drag, static margin, etc. Mostly, though, they contain wind tunnel test results and profile shapes for many airfoils, not just the NACA ones, but also Eppler, Wortmann and Selig profiles and a few others that I had never heard of. The NACA profiles are easy to find (like in 'Theory of Wing Sections') but its nice to see such an extensive list of the harder-to-find profiles as well.

Interesting
Unfortunatly, the author uses Bernoulli's principle to explain lift.Also, his use of equations is minimal.Please see John D. Anderson's book if you wish to understand aerodynamic theory.Otherwise, the other customers' reviews stand. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aerodynamics    2. Aeronautics & Astronautics    3. Airplanes    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Models    8. Model aircraft   

Reviews (1)

A 10!Inside story of 1 of world's greatest feats in aviation
For the first time, the exciting inside story of the breaking of the sound barrier as told by Chuck Yeager and his X-1 team members. World renowned stunt pilot Bob Hoover was Yeager's chase pilot that fatefull morning. It is a beautifully illustrated book with 125 photos, many from the authors private collections that have never been seen by the public or published before. It also includes a chapter on famous aviatrix and motion picture stunt pilot Pancho Barnes and her Happy Bottom Riding Club. Pancho offered a free steak to the first man to break the sound barrier (Mach One) and Yeager collected that steak on Oct. 14th 1947. Pancho's Club was the fraternity house for the test pilots, where they could share lessons learned in flying the new jets and to celebrate surviving for one more dayRead more

Subjects:  1. Aerodynamics, Supersonic    2. Aeronautics & Astronautics    3. Air Forces    4. Aircraft    5. Bell X-1 (Supersonic planes)    6. General    7. History    8. Interviews    9. Military - Aviation    10. Military Science    11. Research    12. Technology    13. Test pilots    14. Transportation    15. United States    16. Air forces & warfare    17. Aircraft: general interest    18. History / General    19. History of engineering & technology    20. c 1945 to c 1960   

Reviews (1)

A terrific introduction for the racer who doesn't have a PhD
This book is very specific in its approach.It goes over the broad theory of aerodynamics as it applies to racing, and then explains each component of a contemporary race car, covering the front end (airdams, splitters and spoilers), the back end (wings), the underside (underbody aerodynamics), and other miscellaneous aero aids.In each chapter, he walks through a host of different tests to show not just which configurations are going to work best, but also why they are going to work best.
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Subjects:  1. Aerodynamics    2. Automobiles, Racing    3. Automotive    4. Automotive - Customizing    5. Transportation    6. Motor cars: general interest    7. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Reviews (1)

Helpful for MAV Design
I found this book extremely helpful for information while recently working on my senior design project at the Rochester Institute of Technology.As of winter 2002/2003 there is very little liable information on micro air vehicle aerodynamics available free through technical papers and other readings that I could find.After looking for information for nearly a month I purchased this book and had several of my questions on MAV design and applications answered.This book is primarily a collection of AIAA and university MAV technical papers.I would recommend this book to any college student or professor working on a MAV related project. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aerodynamics    2. Aeronautics & Astronautics    3. Automotive - History    4. Aviation - History    5. Drone aircraft    6. Ornithopters    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Technology    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Aerospace & aviation technology   

Reviews (6)

THE SECOND EDITION IS NO BETTER THAN THE FIRST
I have both editions of this book. The first one was not so good; the second is still worse. It is the first edition with some few changes and many misprints. The introduction of some computer programs does not make this book an up-to-date one. Not an easy read, but a good reference book;
I plead that this not be used as text for any course, as it is a lousy teaching book. It lacks continuity and contains far to many typos. Does make a good desk ref, lots of real world data, but with an under used index individuals unfamiliar with the text might have a hard time finding what they are looking for.

Could be better
As I read in another review, the quality of the book depends on what you need it for. Although it covers a breadth of topics, it is poor for learning from. There are misprints and not enough examples. It also annoyed me that the derivations weren't always worked out completely, sometimes introducing other variables without explaination. You'd have to have read and absorbed all the previous chapters to make those leaps on your own. There is a very good list of notations in the back, however, and the author is consistent with it which somewhat lessens this problem. A pet peeve from the book, however, is how the author assigns writing computer programs as problems, and then refers to those programs as derivations of other principles later in the book. For a better introduction on aeronautical principles, I recommend Anderson's text, which is an easy read and is very clear in its derivations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aerodynamics    2. Aeronautics & Astronautics    3. Airplanes    4. Applied Aerodynamics    5. Aviation - General    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Transportation    8. Aerospace & aviation technology    9. Technology / Aeronautics & Astronautics