Technical Books of Interest

Pete Soule

Abstract

Technical books are expensive and if you are only reading them for you hobby you may not buy them. Fortunately quite a bit of model aeronautics is at the same stage as large aircraft aviation was in the 1930-1950 period. Construction techniques are not, to be sure, but aerodynamics and flight mechanics certainly are. Dover press has republished many really good books on aeronautical engineering and applicable branches of physics, mathematics and other parts of engineering. The prices are very low, typically they may be no more than the original hard copy book cost. The content is mostly for the analytically inclined engineer, physicist, or applied mathematician. However the Airfoil book by Abbot and Von Doenhoff listed in the first set is a treasure trove of airfoil coordinates, descriptions and wind tunnel test results that will have a wider acceptance.

I have singled out a few I think are worthwhile. The fist set is mostly aerodynamics and flutter while the second is primarily fluid and hydro dynamics. I have included the Dover press description of each book and on a few books added remarks of my own in a way that allows one to recognize who is talking. I understand that on-line bookstores handle these books. The Dover Press line is very large and many bookstores can order them.

These two lists are certainly not inclusive. I know of several in-print books on the physics of fluids and fluid mechanics that are not here. If I can get a more current list I'll fill the list out.

Contents

   1 Aerodynamics & Aeronautics

   2 Fluid Mechanics