Thomson, William Tyrrell
First published in 1961
Although this classic introduction to space-flight engineering was first published twenty-five years ago, not long after Sputnik was launched, the fundamental principles it elucidates are as valid today as then. The problems to which these principles are applied have changed, and the widespread use of Computers has accelerated problem-solving techniques, but this book is still a valuable basic text for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of aerospace engineering.
The author, William Tyrrell Thomson, Professor Emeritus of Engineering at the University of California (Santa Barbara), has provided the mathematical tools that are required for quantitative analysis of the basic concepts of motion in outer space.
The first two chapters cover vector algebra and kinematics, including angular velocity vector, tangential and normal components, and the general case of space motion. The third chapter deals with the transformation of coordinates, with sections on Euler's angles, and the transformation of angular velocities.
A variety of interesting problems regarding the motion of satellites and other space vehicles is discussed in Chapter 4, which includes the two-body problem, orbital change due to impulsive thrust, long-range ballistic trajectories, and the effect of the Earth's oblateness. The fifth and sixth chapters describe gyrodynamics and the dynamics of gyroscopic instruments, covering such topics äs the displacement of a rigid body, precession and nutation of the Earth's polar axis, oscillation of the gyrocompass, and inertial navigation.
Chapter 7 is an examination of space vehicle motion, with analyses of general equations in body coordinates and their transformation to inertial coordinates, attitude drift of space vehicles, and variable mass. The eighth chapter discusses optimization of the performance of single-stage and multistage rockets. Chapter 9 deals with generalized theories of mechanics, including holonomic and non-holonomic Systems, Lagrange's Equation for impulsive forces, and missile dynamic analysis.
Throughout this clear, comprehensive text, practice problems (with answers to many) aid the Student in mastering analytic techniques, and numerous charts and diagrams reinforce each lesson.
Softcover
317 Seiten / pages
many illustrations
very good condition, new book
New York - 2019 - Dover Books on Aeronautical Engineering
Art.Nr. 19344