Theory of Flight

"An outstanding textbook." — Scientific, Medical and Technical BooksAlmost unsurpassed as a balanced, well-written account of fundamental fluid dynamics, Theory of Flight may still be recommended for a clearer presentation than is to be forced in many more recent works, though it is limited to situations in which air compressibility effects are unimportant. Designed for the college senior or beginning graduate student, the text assumes a knowledge of the principles of calculus and some training in general mechanics. It is unusual in offering a well-balanced introduction, stressing equally theory and practice. It avoids the formidable mathematical structure of fluid dynamics, while conveying by often unorthodox methods a full understanding of the physical phenomena and mathematical concepts of aeronautical engineering. Theory of Flight contains perhaps the best introduction to the general theory of stability, while the introduction to dynamics of incompressible fluids and the chapters on wing theory remain particularly valuable for their clarity of exposition and originality of thought. Mises' position as one of the great pioneers in the development of the aeronautical sciences lends a flavor of authenticity not found in more conventional textbooks. Any student who has made himself familiar with his exposition of the fundamentals and applications will have acquired an excellent background for additional, more specialized fields of modern aeronautical engineering.