Fundamentals of Helicopter Dynamics

Helicopter Dynamics Introduced in an Organized and Systematic Manner

A result of lecture notes for a graduate-level introductory course as well as the culmination of a series of lectures given to designers, engineers, operators, users, and researchers, Fundamentals of Helicopter Dynamics provides a fundamental understanding and a thorough overview of helicopter dynamics and aerodynamics. Written at a basic level, this text starts from first principles and moves fluidly onward from simple to more complex systems.

Divided into 11 chapters, this text covers historical development, hovering and vertical flight, simplified rotor blade model in flap mode, and forward flight. It devotes two chapters to the aeroelastic response and stability analysis of isolated rotor blade in uncoupled and coupled modes. Three chapters address the modeling of coupled rotor–fuselage dynamics and the associated flight dynamic stability, and provide a simplified analysis of the ground resonance aeromechanical stability of a helicopter.

•  Explains equations derived from first principles and approximations
• Contains a complete set of equations which can be used for preliminary studies
• Requires a basic first–level course in dynamics, as well as a basic first–level course in aerodynamics

Useful for any student who wants to learn the complexities of dynamics in a flying vehicle, Fundamentals of Helicopter Dynamics is an ideal resource for aerospace/aeronautical, helicopter, and mechanical/control engineers, as well as air force schools and helicopter/rotorcraft manufacturers.