I need a good aerodynamics book

Toonces

Toonces

Well-Known Member
I am trying to find a good aerodynamics book. I already looked at Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators. I am hoping to find something with more pictures and less equations. Any advice would be appreciated.
 
Hate to tell ya, but "Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators" is probably one of the more equation friendly well illustrated books out there. You have to have lots of pictures for us Navy types to get it!

Most of the other books you'll run across are textbooks and can cost a hundred plus bucks.

Unfortunately you can't explain aero past a certain point without the math (I learned the hard way half way through my degree)! Depending on what your goal is (PPL prep or just love of the subject), one of my favorite all around books on aircraft design is: Modern Combat Aircraft Design

It has lots of cool pix and drawings, covers aerodynamics, powerplants, supersonic aero, intake design, structures, and stability and control, and isn't too terribly technical.

Hope this helps!
 
Stick and Rudder is very "un-math" and is a laymen oriented approach to aerodynamics. If the "(insert activity) for Dummies" publishers had been around when it was written, it may have been called "Flying for Dummies". It would definately be a good one to check out. Its a classic, has been used to explain aerodynamics for over 50 years, and can be found for a reasonable price at almost any bookstore.
 
I'm taking an Aerodynamics class this semester and one of the books we are using is "The Illustrated Guide to Aerodynamics" by H.C. Smith. It seems to do a decent job at explaining concepts and has lots of diagrams.
 
A.C. Kermode's 'Mechanics of Flight' is a minor classic, and I think he also wrote 'Flight Without Formulae' which is less taxing wrt maths and physics.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I'm taking an Aerodynamics class this semester and one of the books we are using is "The Illustrated Guide to Aerodynamics" by H.C. Smith. It seems to do a decent job at explaining concepts and has lots of diagrams.

[/ QUOTE ]

The Smith book is what I have found to be the most digestible. I support this one 100%.
 
'Introduction to Aircraft Design' by Thomas Faulconer is EXAUSTIVELY mathematical, and will put you up to speed on the finest technology and physics available-- in 1942.

You know, I just realized that the hardback copy I have was SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR!!!! I wonder how much this damn thing is worth anyway...

<wanders off to ebay...>
 
"Flightwise" by Chris Carpenter is also a good book. It is easy to understand, yet detailed.
 
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