Foundations of Helicopter Flight

S. Newman (Author)

9780340587027, Elsevier Science

Paperback, published 7 April 1994

320 pages
23.4 x 16.5 x 2.1 cm, 0.62 kg

"I consider that is it one of the best and most useful books available for the purpose of instructing undergraduate students or engineers about helicopters, their flight mechanics and design. It is a very readable book considering that the subject matter is scientific and basically quite complicated, and it covers areas that are not to be found in other helicopter texts." --Professor, City University, London, UK.

The unique design problems which helicopters produce are many and complex. Through practical examples and illustrated case studies, supported by all the relevant theory, this primer text provides an accessible introduction which guides the reader through the theory, design, construction and operation of helicopters. Fundamental performance and control equations are developed, from which the book explores the rotor aerodynamic and dynamic characteristics of helicopters. Example calculations and performance predictions, reflecting current practice, show how to assess the feasibility of a design.

Preface * Abbreviations * Introduction * Rotocraft configurations * The rotor in hover * The rotor in axial flight - climb and descent * The rotor in forward flight * Dynamics of the rotor * Autorotative performance * Blade dynamics * Helicopter trim * Vibration and its transmission * Tail rotors * Ground resonance * Rotor speed governing * Methods of calculating helicopter power, fuel consumption and mission performance * Epilogue - the windmill * References * Bibliography * Index.

Subject Areas: Aerospace & aviation technology [TRP], Aerodynamics [TGMF1], Dynamics & vibration [TGMD4]