Understanding Aerodynamics: Arguing from the Real Physics

by Doug McLean

Much-needed, fresh approach that brings a greater insight into the physical understanding of aerodynamics Based on the author’s decades of industrial experience with Boeing, this book helps students and practicing engineers to gain a greater physical understanding of aerodynamics. Relying on clear physical arguments and examples, Mclean provides a much-needed, fresh approach to this sometimes contentious subject without shying away from addressing "real" aerodynamic situations as opposed to the oversimplified ones frequently used for mathematical convenience. Motivated by the belief that engineering practice is enhanced in the long run by a robust understanding of the basics as well as real cause-and-effect relationships that lie behind the theory, he provides intuitive physical interpretations and explanations, debunking commonly-held misconceptions and misinterpretations, and building upon the contrasts provided by wrong explanations to strengthen understanding of the right ones.

Genres: Physics, Engineering, Science

576 pages, Hardcover

First published October 18, 2012

Reviews

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read if you already have had some experience with aerodynamics. While sections of the book can certainly be used with an introductory aero book, I think it would be very rough for a beginner to rely on this volume alone. In addition, the book is more about understanding the basic physics and so does not have problem sets.

Having said that, McLean does an excellent job of explaining the many subtleties inherent in the subject and I think does a great job of explaining that vorticity does not induce lift in a one-way causal way, and giving a convincing explanation of lift. The author does this both through his own explanation and showing the shortcomings in other explanations.

The book covers a wealth of topics, from the validity of the continuum approach to fluid mechanics, boundary layers, typical flows, drag, propulsion, lift, and CFD. It has a nice breadth while also getting into sufficient detail for each area to help you get a better understanding of how to think about aerodynamic properties and what the proper questions are to ask.

[Leo Biebuyck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing, having read Anderson.
Lots of real world applications, studded with illustrations and equations.
Empirical results versus intuitive assumptions.
Debunk the common fallacies and read this book!

[Scott Holstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty solid text and fairly reasonable for the layperson. Recommended.