Theoretical and Computational Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics has seen many developments due to the growth of scientific computing, which has dramatically reduced the design cycle time of aerospace vehicles. Today, computational aerodynamics appears in the preliminary step of a new design, relegating costly, time-consuming wind tunnel testing to the final stages of design.

Theoretical and Computational Aerodynamics is designed to be a comprehensive textbook, covering classical aerodynamic theories and recent applications made possible by computational aerodynamics. It begins with a discussion on lift and drag from an overall dynamical approach. After stating the governing Navier-Stokes equation, it covers potential flows and the panel method.

Low aspect ratio and delta wings (including vortex breakdown) are discussed in detail. Following an introduction to boundary layer theory, the book covers computational aerodynamics for DNS and LES. Other topics include flow transition to analyse NLF airfoils, bypass transition, streamwise and cross-flow instability over swept wings, viscous transonic flow over airfoils, low Reynolds number aerodynamics, high lift devices, and flow control.

Key features:

• Blends classical theories of incompressible aerodynamics with panel methods
• Covers lifting surface theories and low aspect ratio wing and wing-body aerodynamics
• Presents computational aerodynamics from first principles for incompressible and compressible flows
• Covers unsteady and low Reynolds number aerodynamics
• Includes an up-to-date account of DNS of airfoil aerodynamics, including flow transition for NLF airfoils
• Contains chapter problems and illustrative examples
• Accompanied by a website hosting problems and a solution manual

Theoretical and Computational Aerodynamics is an ideal textbook for undergraduate and graduate students. It is also intended as a valuable resource book on aerodynamics for researchers and practitioners in research labs and the industry.