Recommend a good book

[jmtyndall]

Looking for a good book, that gets into the theory and mathematics behind aerodynamics and helicopter flight. I'm an ME graduate, and we weren't given the opportunity to do a focus(such as aerospace). I'm looking to dig a little deeper now that I've graduated and got some spare time

[extrapilot]

Try 'Principles of Helicopter Aerodynamics' by Prof Gordon Leishman. Another would be 'Bramwell's Helicopter Dynamics.'

There are some sections of both online (Google Books)- they are reference texts- pretty dry, and unfortunately, expensive.

If you can find anything online from Prof Lakshmi Sankar, many of his presentations are designed for post-grad aero engineering students focusing on helicopters- much easier to digest IMO, as it is not setup as a reference text. He is over at GA Tech, so maybe you can get some publications or access to online class notes etc there. Brilliant guy, wonderful instructor.

Cheers

[feathering]

There is also "Rotary-Wing Aerodynamics" by Stepniewski. It focuses on rotor aerodynamics among other things. But you will be better off starting with the suggestions from extrapilot as Stepniewski is quite heavy duty.

[jmtyndall]

Thanks guys. I'll look into those

[sps3172]

....but these videos (if you can sit through them) might be worth a look. I came across this online course while surfing youtube for heli stuff. I believe there is a corresponding text referenced in the comments.

Mod-01 Lec-01 Introduction to Helicopter Aerodynamics and Dynamics (1 hr 12 min 44 sec)