Understanding Aerodynamics: Arguing from the Real Physics (Aerospace Series)

Too often aerodynamics has been treated as applied mathematics. This is akin to force the learning of English by committing to memory English grammar rules that the vast majority of native speakers never think about. This has an effect of discouraging anyone but the most unusual students. This book, along with Ed Obert's Aerodynamic design of transport airplane, published in 2009, are important and refreshing in that both are highly informative but not math heavy. Obert's book is one of experience. McLean's book, however, tackles the theory of aerodynamics from a physical point of view. It enhances your understanding of the fundamentals, which is a necessary part of an aerodynamicist's know-how. Only by combining a strong background in theory and all-around experience can an aerodynamicist hope to function in today's highly competitive aircraft manufacturing business. I sincerely recommend this book to people who have long lost hope in a pure mathematical and lifeless approach.

Understanding Aerodynamics is a new approach at explaining why various aerodynamic characteristics take place. Most aerodynamics textbooks use experimental data and theoretical developments to explain aerodynamics, but there are very few equations or theories developed here. The basis is an understanding of the physical mechanisms that lead to lift and drag, which is a refreshing and important contribution. The downside is that the author tends to throw out many classic theories because they can't explain all details of aerodynamics: my response to that is to quote the well-used statement "all theories are wrong, but some are useful." Just because a theory isn't perfect (and none of them are) doesn't mean the theory can't be useful and important. What the author should concentrate on, perhaps, is that we should never confuse our theories with reality, and I think that is an important contribution.

This book, for an aero engineering student, will feel like a light read. Purchase this and put it on your shelf. You will enjoy its coverage of the fundamentals and find yourself referencing it from time to time to clarify things. I don't personally know the author but my colleagues at Boeing speak to his knowledge in the field of aerodynamics. Cited this text several times in my MS thesis.

This book is definitely not a light read, but the information is written in a way that makes aerodynamics quite understandable even to a non-scientist. So many of the concepts are new to me, even as someone who has loved aviation all his life, flies airplanes and volunteers at an aviation museum.

Very in-depth discussion of the complex interactions in aerodynamics. Difficult to verbalize this subject but Doug McLean does a commendable job!

The author did an excellent job balancing the dry mathematical theory with descriptive dialog aiding in the grasp of very complex theories in aerodynamic physics.

Great information for those interested in the mechanics of flight. Highly recommended.

Not as easy to grasp as he makes it,on his you tube,

great book

Nice to get a fresh review of Aerodynamics, lots of subject to consider and lot's of things to go back and review from even top authors on the subject.

Excellent !

As someone who spent Decades running Wind Tunnel and computational Research the Author provides a profound Explanation on every Topic discussed in the Book. Text is easy readable and immersive for someone truly interested in Aerodynamics.

The recipient of this gift was very pleased with the content. It is a great book written by a very knowledgeable person. As purchaser of this book in hardcover I was disappointed that upon opening the front cover full to write an message (its a present) on the inside, the binding split and ripped a bit. definitely not worth the 90€! Go with the softcover. Otherwise a great present, well received.