Starting out with Aerodynamics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around introductory resources and concepts in aerodynamics, particularly for someone with a background in physics who is interested in understanding the subject without pursuing a career in it. Participants share recommendations for books and websites that can help a beginner grasp the fundamentals of aerodynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a general interest in understanding aerodynamics and seeks resources to begin learning.
  • Another participant recommends "Fluid Mechanics" by Frank M. White as a starting point for understanding the basics of aerodynamics.
  • A link to a website providing introductory material on applied aerodynamics is shared, suggesting it offers a good overview without being overwhelming.
  • Further resources are suggested, including a NASA website that provides educational content on aerodynamics.
  • One participant suggests considering a career in aeronautical engineering, linking to relevant websites for further exploration.
  • A book titled "Introduction to Flight" by John D. Anderson is recommended as an excellent resource for understanding aerodynamics, with emphasis on its clarity in presenting basic concepts.
  • Another participant supports the recommendation of Anderson's book, noting its use in an introductory aerodynamics class and suggesting a more advanced text by the same author for deeper understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of the recommended books and resources for learning about aerodynamics, with multiple suggestions provided. There is no explicit disagreement noted, but the discussion remains focused on sharing resources rather than resolving any specific questions or concepts.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not delve into specific mathematical or physical principles of aerodynamics, focusing instead on introductory materials and personal experiences with the suggested texts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in aerodynamics, particularly those with a background in physics looking for foundational resources.

OsiriS^
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First off, sorry if this is the wrong forum but I wasn't sure where else to put it. Secondly, this will be just an interest because I've already applied to and chosen by university degree courses so I'm not considering a career in aerodynamics.

I want to start out with just understanding the concept of it. That's pretty much it really! It's one of those things where I look at a race car and think "Man! I'd love to know how they made that so sleek and aerodynamic" and I'm sure there's some mind-boggling maths/physics knowledge that goes into it and even though I know nothing about it - it intrigues me greatly :rolleyes:

I am a physics student so I don't think it'll be too difficult a concept for me to grasp and I feel my knowledge in physics will compliment this subject. Does anyone know any good books and/or websites where I can get started?
 
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Urrrrrm Frank M White - Fluid Mechanics (ISBN 0072281928) isn't a bad place to start!
 
brewnog said:
Urrrrrm Frank M White - Fluid Mechanics (ISBN 0072281928) isn't a bad place to start!
This one?
 
Give this a quick once through. It will provide a bit of background and a taste of what is to come for you.

http://www.desktopaero.com/appliedaero/appliedaero.html

Here's another link that gets more involved without getting overwhelming (a good read).

http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/short.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
If you like the combination of physics, engineering, and aerodynamics, you may want to consider a career in aeronautical engineering!

Check out these websites:
http://www.ueet.nasa.gov/StudentSite/aeronautics.html
http://www.science-engineering.net/aeronautical_engineering.htm

z-component
 
Last edited by a moderator:
IMHO... the best book on aerodynamics... not just from an air vehicle perspective (as the title may imply). The first few chapters really cover the basics as good as any text I've ever seen. (And as an Aero Eng I've read PLENTY.)

Introduction to Flight
by John D. Anderson
ISBN: 007109282X

Cheers...
 
I'll second LunchBox's suggestion.

That book was used to teach my sophomore level intro to aerodynamics class and is very good at presenting the basics.

For a slightly more advanced look, I'll recommend "Fundamentals of Aerodynamics" by the same author.
 
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I think that's the one I started with too -- probably still in my parents' basement somewhere. Great book.
 
Great info lads.

Cheers :)
 

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