Product Description

Mechanics of Flight is an ideal introduction to the principles of flight. The eleventh edition has been updated to conform to current teaching practices and technical knowledge. Written in a clear jargon-free style, the book contains simple numerical examples.

The book commences with a summary of the relevant aspects of mechanics, and goes on to cover topics such as air and airflow, aerofoils, thrust, level flight, gliding, landing, performance, manoeuvres and stability and control. Important aspects of these topics are illustrated by a description of a trial flight in a light aircraft. The book also deals with flight at transonic and supersonic speeds, and finally orbital flight and spacecraft.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #172550 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 512 pages

Aerospace
"This tenth edition is a welcome addition to the book-shelf. . .a very readable book introducing the complexities of flight mechanics which whets the reader's interest and so forms a good stepping stone to textbooks containing more detailed analyses. Recommended!'"

From the Back Cover

 

Mechanics of Flight is an ideal introduction to the principles of flight. The eleventh edition has been completely reset and the text updated to conform to current teaching practices and technical knowledge. Written in a clear jargon-free style, the book contains simple numerical examples which are suitable for students up to HND level and for first year degree students.

The book commences with a summary of the relevant aspects of mechanics, and goes on to cover topics such as air and airflow, aerofoils, thrust, level flight, gliding, landing, performance, manoeuvres and stability and control. Important aspects of these topics are illustrated by a description of a trial flight in a light aircraft. The book also deals with flight at transonic and supersonic speeds, and finally orbital flight and spacecraft.

Key Features

• A straightforward practical approach to the subject based on the application of the basic principles of mechanics.
• Descriptions are aided by the use of a large number of illustrations and photographs.
• Numerical questions with answers make it suitable as a course teaching resource.
• Non-numerical questions and answers are included to allow readers to assess their own understanding.  

Mechanics of Flight is an excellent text for student pilots, students of aeronautical and aerospace engineering, aircraft engineering apprentices and anyone who is interested in aircraft.

A recommended follow-up book is Aircraft Flight (also published by Pearson Prentice Hall) by Richard Barnard and David Philpott. The authors have also provided the recent and current revisions of Mechanics of Flight.

R. H. Barnard PhD, CEng, FRAeS; formerly Principal Lecturer in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Hertfordshire.

D. R. Philpott PhD, CEng, MRAeS; formerly Principal Aerodynamic Specialist at Raytheon Corporate Jets and Reader in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Hertfordshire.

 

About the Author

R H Barnard. PhD, CEng, FRAeS; formerly Principal Lecturer in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Hertfordshire.

D R Philpott. PhD, CEng, MRAeS; formerly Principal Aerodynamic Specialist at Raytheon Corporate Jets and Reader in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Hertfordshire.

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Customer Reviews

Mechanics of Flight
My first exposure was as a 'recommended text' during an RAF airframe engineering course. I have lived with and revisited Kermodes' Mechanics of Flight since the 1975 edition. This is a 'must have' text book, that offers access to aerodynamics without the barrier of mathematics.

This book offers firm foundations that are of equal use to engineers, pilots and aspiring graduates. This title continues to be on the top shelf of my book case.

A good introduction the physics behind flight
This is more than a textbook, since it has had no trouble keeping my attention whilst I've been reading it. It makes the concepts and principles behind flight accessible and interesting to read. Enjoy!

Everything you ever wanted to know about flight, simply put.
If you just want to know how aircraft work, but are put off by the endless equations that seem to go with an understanding, this is the book for you. A straightforward, extrememly readable book that tells you, almost conversationally, how it all happens. For anyone with a serious interest in aviation, this is a definite must-read.