Applied Cartesian Tensors for Aerospace Simulations (AIAA Education) (Aiaa Education Series)

This book presents a new approach to aerospace flight vehicle equations of motion based on a unifying tensorbased formulation. Covering the fundamental concepts of the geometry of space, applied mechanics, and aerospace engineering analysis, the author builds on these flight mechanics essentials to describe the motion of aircraft and space vehicles. Concepts are amplified by the presentation of aerospace applications in use today and that are tied directly to the material presented. The basic concepts of Cartesian analysis are developed along with the application of tensor notation to engineering analysis. Tensor notation (the Einstein summation convention) is introduced to give the reader exact component equations and to demonstrate its value in multi-variable analysis. By applying the summation notation in the analysis, the author believes that a more complete description of the dynamic problems of aerospace vehicle motion can be offered, and that this approach is already finding applications in aerospace engineering technologies.