Introduction to Tensor Flight Dynamics

I wrote this introduction for the novice, who wants to acquire a firm foundation of Tensor Flight Dynamics.   You need only the basic skills of matrix algebra and differential equations to learn my tensor approach and solve the forty-two problems (some requiring MATLAB®). As an additional challenge, twelve projects are included in this THIRD EDITION. With 98 figures, 14 tables, and 318 pages of instructions you can immerse yourself into my novel formulation of flight dynamics. What’s Inside? Geometry. How to model the position and orientation of flight vehicles with tensors, which then are converted to matrices via coordinate systems for computation.Sections:Vectors Are Tensors of Rank OneMultiplying Tensors of Rank OneFrames and Coordinate Systems Kinematics. Now time enters our discussion. A new time derivative yields linear and angular velocities and accelerations independent of coordinate systems.Sections:Rotational Time DerivativeEuler Transformation of FramesAttitude Determination Point-Mass Dynamics. We are ready to fly rockets and aircraft by just tracking their center-of-mass.Sections:Newton’s LawVehicles Requiring an Inertial Reference FrameVehicles that Can Use Earth as Reference Frame Rigid Body Dynamics. Finally, we study the full translational and attitude dynamics of rockets and aircraft. Sections:Newton’s and Euler’s LawsMissiles and Rockets – Rotational SymmetryAircraft – Planar SymmetryThe Author  Peter H. Zipfel is a graduate of the University Stuttgart, Germany, and the Catholic University of America with a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering. He founded Modeling and Simulation Technologies, which advises and instructs in the functional integration of aerospace systems using computer simulations. For 35 years he taught courses in modeling and simulation, guidance and control, and flight dynamics at the University of Florida; and over the span of 50 years he created aerospace simulations of helicopters, missiles, aircraft, and hypersonic vehicles for the German Helicopter Institute, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force. He is an AIAA Associate Fellow and an internationally recognized short course instructor.Other Publications by the Author  Modeling and Simulation of Aerospace Vehicle Dynamics * Building Aerospace Simulations in C++ * Fundamentals of Six DoF Aerospace Simulations and Analysis * Advanced Six DoF Aerospace Simulations and Analysis in C++ * Modeling INS/GPS/Star-Tracker in 6 DoF * The Tensor Flight Dynamics Tutor * Flight Dynamics Workshop in Three Days * C++ Aerospace Workshop in Two Days * Missile and Rocket Simulation Workshop in four Days * Tensor Flight Dynamics Workshop in Two Days. Read more