Low-Speed Aerodynamics

by Joseph Katz, Allen Plotkin

Overview

Low-speed aerodynamics is important in the design and operation of aircraft flying at low Mach number, and ground and marine vehicles. This text offers a modern treatment of both the theory of inviscid, incompressible, and irrotational aerodynamics, and the computational techniques now available to solve complex problems. A unique feature is that the computational approach—from a single vortex element to a three-dimensional panel formulation—is interwoven throughout. This second edition features a new chapter on the laminar boundary layer (emphasis on the viscous-inviscid coupling), the latest versions of computational techniques, and additional coverage of interaction problems. The authors include a systematic treatment of two-dimensional panel methods and a detailed presentation of computational techniques for three-dimensional and unsteady flows.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521665520
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/05/2001
Series:	Cambridge Aerospace Series , #13
Edition description:	Revised Edition
Pages:	630
Product dimensions:	7.13(w) x 9.96(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Joseph Katz is Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at San Diego State University.

Allen Plotkin is Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at San Diego State University.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction and background; 2. Fundamentals of inviscid, incompressible flow; 3. General solution of the incompressible, potential flow equations; 4. Small disturbance flow over three-dimensional wings: formulation of the problem; 5. Small disturbance flow over two-dimensional airfoils; 6. Exact solutions with complex variables; 7. Perturbation methods; 8. Three-dimensional small disturbance solutions; 9. Numerical (panel) methods; 10. Singularity elements and influence coefficients; 11. Two-dimensional numerical solutions; 12. Three-dimensional numerical solutions; 13. Unsteady aerodynamics; 14. The laminar boundary layer; 15. Enhancement of the potential flow model; Appendices.

Preface

Our goal in writing this Second Edition of Low-Speed Aerodynamics remains the same, to present a comprehensive and up-to-date treatment of the subject of inviscid, incompressible, and irrotational aerodynamics. It is still true that for most practical aerodynamic and hydrodynamic problems, the classical model of a thin viscous boundary layer along a body's surface, surrounded by a mainly inviscid flowfield, has produced important engineering results. This approach requires first the solution of the inviscid flow to obtain the pressure field and consequently the forces such as lift and induced drag. Then, a solution of the viscous flow in the thin boundary layer allows for the calculation of the skin friction effects.

The First Edition provides the theory and related computational methods for the solution of the inviscid flow problem. This material is complemented in the Second Edition with a new Chapter 14, "The Laminar Boundary Layer," whose goal is to provide a modern discussion of the coupling of the inviscid outer flow with the viscous boundary layer. First, an introduction to the classical boundary-layer theory of Prandtl is presented. The need for an interactive approach (to replace the classical sequential one) to the coupling is discussed and a viscous-inviscid interaction method is presented. Examples for extending this approach, which include transition to turbulence, are provided in the final Chapter 15.

In addition, updated versions of the computational methods are presented and several topics are improved and updated throughout the text. For example, more coverage is given of aerodynamic interaction problems such as multiple wings, ground effect, wallcorrections, and the presence of a free surface. We would like to thank Turgut Sarpkaya of the Naval Postgraduate School and H. K. Cheng of USC for their input in Chapter 14 and particularly Mark Drela of MIT who provided a detailed description of his solution technique, which formed the basis for the material in Sections 14.7 and 14.8. Finally, we would like to acknowledge the continuing love and support of our wives, Hilda Katz and Selena Plotkin.

Editorial Reviews

"Explanations and theoretical material have been put forward in a succinct systematic manner with numerous clear line diagrams....The reviewer particularly appreciated the material...on enhancement of the potential flow model. The assessment is realistic and offers scope for practical extensions....recommended to practicing aerodynamicists." The Aeronautical Journal of the Royal Aeronautical Society

"This is a thoroughly modern and up-to-date high level academic textbook ... highly recommended." The Aeronautica Journal

"This book is a significant contribution to the aerodynamic literature. Several of my students have been able to begin their research careers in aerodynamics by reading and digesting this book." Journal of Fluids Engineering, A. T. Conlisk, Ohio State University

From the Publisher