NACA - The Wind and Beyond - History of Aerodynamics in America

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the historical context and significance of the publication "The Wind and Beyond," which documents advancements in aviation technology and aerodynamics in the United States. Participants reference various volumes of aviation history, the contributions of notable figures, and related literature in the field of aerodynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Historical
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight the three-volume set "The Wind and Beyond," detailing its focus on the invention of the airplane, design revolutions, and the aerodynamics of various aircraft types.
  • There is a mention of the historical significance of the NACA and NASA in advancing aerospace technology throughout the 20th century.
  • One participant expresses annoyance at the title "The Wind and Beyond," noting it is also the title of Theodore von Kármán's autobiography, suggesting it may be a generic title for significant works.
  • Another participant humorously suggests they might write a book titled "The Fellowship of the Ring," indicating a playful take on the use of established titles.
  • A recommendation is made for Anderson Jr.'s "A History of Aerodynamics," emphasizing his expertise and contributions to the field.
  • Participants reference additional resources related to the NACA and its historical context, including profiles of key figures like Orville Wright and Theodore von Kármán.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the title "The Wind and Beyond," with some finding it generic while others appreciate its historical significance. The discussion includes multiple viewpoints on related literature and historical accounts, indicating that no consensus exists on the appropriateness of the title or the best sources for aviation history.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific historical documents and publications, but there is no resolution on the implications of the title "The Wind and Beyond" or its relation to other works. The discussion also touches on the contributions of various individuals and organizations without establishing a definitive narrative.

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A three volume set of aviation history in the US.

https://www.nasa.gov/history/histor...rces/nasa-history-series/the-wind-and-beyond/

Volume I is an account of the invention of the airplane and creation of the aeronautical research establishment in the United States. Edited by James R. Hansen with D. Bryan Taylor, Jeremy Kinney, and J. Lawrence Lee. PDF (4.7 MB)

Volume II explores the airplane design revolution of the 1920s and 1930s and the quest for improved airfoils. Edited by James R. Hansen with Jeremy Kinney, D. Bryan Taylor, Molly Prickett, and J. Lawrence Lee. PDF (5.9 MB)

Volume III explores the aerodynamics of airships, flying boats, and rotary-wing aircraft. Edited by James R. Hansen and Jeremy R. Kinney with D. Bryan Taylor, Molly F. Prickett, and J. Lawrence Lee. PDF (16.6 MB)

https://www.nasa.gov/history/histor...ies/nasas-first-a-aeronautics-from-1958-2008/
Aeronautics, the first A of the NASA acronym, has always been a part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

https://www.nasa.gov/history/histor...rces/nasa-history-series/naca-to-nasa-to-now/
NACA to NASA to Now: The Frontiers of Air and Space in the American Century tells the story of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) and its successor, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The NACA and NASA facilitated the advance of technology for flight in air and space throughout the 20th and into the 21st century. This book explores how and why aerospace technology took the course it did, discusses some of the key people who drove aerospace science and technology development, and examines the political, economic, managerial, international, and cultural contexts in which the events of flight have unfolded.


I encountered the NACA publication The Wind and Beyond in the following video: Supermarine Spiteful, Superprop!


There is an interesting discussion on the wing design and manufacturing.
 
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This annoys me because The Wind and Beyond is also the title of Theodore von Kármán's autobiography.
 
boneh3ad said:
This annoys me because The Wind and Beyond is also the title of Theodore von Kármán's autobiography.
It seems like a pretty generic title for good accounts...

The Wind and Beyond is an award-winning reference work, drawing together the historical documents that spell out the advancements in aviation technology and aerodynamics throughout the twentieth century.

NASA SP-4409
 
berkeman said:
It seems like a pretty generic title for good accounts...
I've been thinking about writing a book called The Fellowship of the Ring. It's a working title.
 
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