Understanding Aerodynamics: Arguing from the Real Physics

Foreword

The job of the aeronautical engineer has changed dramatically in recent years and will continue to change. Advanced computational tools have revolutionized design processes for all types of flight vehicles and have made it possible to achieve levels of design technology previously unheard of. And as performance targets have become more demanding, the individual engineer's role in the design process has become increasingly specialized.

In this new environment, design work depends heavily on voluminous numerical computations. The computer handles much of the drudgery, but it can't do the thinking. It is now more important than ever for a practicing engineer to bring to the task a strong physical intuition, solidly based in the physics. In this book, Doug McLean provides a valuable supplement to the many existing books on aerodynamic theory, patiently exploring what it all means from a physical point of view. Students and experienced engineers alike will surely profit from following the thought-provoking arguments and discussions presented here.

John J. Tracy

Chief Technology Officer

The Boeing Company

September 2012