The Dynamics of Flight. The Equations

Citation

(1999), "The Dynamics of Flight. The Equations", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771aae.002

The Dynamics of Flight. The Equations

The Dynamics of Flight ­ The Equations

Jean-Luc BoiffierWiley353 pp. (soft cover)

Keywords Flight dynamics, Publication

This is a most unusual and interesting book. It takes as its basic purpose the precise and comprehensive development of the equations of flight dynamics. Those familiar with Chapters 4 and 5 of Etkins' classic Dynamics of Atmospheric Flight will recognise the difficulties of trying to produce an all embracing description of the derivations. A multitude of superscripts, subscripts and special dressings are required. An even greater version of the same problem faced Professor Boiffier but by careful thought and design he has managed to contain the notation so that it is precise, but not too ungainly.

Virtually all aspects of the flight dynamics equations are covered and the underlying assumptions clearly and explicitly stated. In fact at times the details seem too great with alternate axis derivations derived in full. In fact this pedantic approach adds to the book's value as a reference text, and in order to help the reader through this great mass of detail, a valuable reading guide is given in the Preface.

Most of the items in the book can be found among other texts, but here they are all together and in much greater detail. Particular good points are the very clear derivation of what is Etkins' linear field model of flight in moving air and the later discussions on equilibrium and its calculation. However, nowhere could I find reference to the acceleration effects represented by derivatives such as M_w. Finally, in the translation from the French some nuances of English get in the way, such as the meanings of derivation, derive and derivative.

This is a reference book that all flight dynamicists will find space for on their shelves.

P.G. ThomassonCranfield College of Aeronautics, Cranfield University