Embedded Files
Douglas F. Hunsaker
Published July 20, 2026
ISBN: 979-8951325013
Barlett Peak Press
Note: The paper weight, printing, and margins offered through the IngramSpark printer seem superior to those offered through Amazon.
Table of Contents
1 Coordinate Systems and Attitude Descriptors
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Euler Angles
1.3 Euler Axis
1.4 Quaternion Algebra
1.5 Euler–Rodrigues Quaternion
1.6 Relations Between Attitude Descriptors
1.7 Problems
2 Mass and Inertia Modeling
2.1 Introduction
2.2 General Properties of an Object
2.3 Simple Geometries
2.4 Wing Segment
2.5 Rotor
2.6 Properties of the Complete Vehicle
2.7 Angular Momentum of Spinning Components
2.8 Problems
3 Aerodynamic Modeling
3.1 Introduction
3.2 The Standard Atmosphere
3.3 Governing Equations of Fluid Motion
3.4 Aerodynamic Coordinates and Definitions
3.5 The Aerodynamic Center
3.6 Model by Combining Simple Geometries
3.7 Fixed-Wing Aircraft Below Stall
3.8 Stall
3.9 Compressibility
3.10 Ground Effect
3.11 Aerodynamic Datasets
3.12 Problems
4 Propulsion Modeling
4.1 Introduction
4.2 A General Propulsion Model
4.3 Thrust Independent of Airspeed
4.4 Power Independent of Airspeed
4.5 Rotors
4.6 Electric Propulsion
4.7 Problems
5 Equations of Motion
5.1 Newton’s Second Law
5.2 Pseudo-Aerodynamic Forces and Moments
5.3 Flat-Earth Kinematic Transformation Equations
5.4 Flat-Earth Rigid-Body Equations of Motion
5.5 Gravity Relief Due to Earth’s Curvature
5.6 Summary of Quaternion Formulation
5.7 Numerical Integration
5.8 Fixed-Wing Examples
5.9 Real-Time Simulations
5.10 Problems
6 Static Trim
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Newton’s Method
6.3 Steady Level Flight
6.4 Steady Coordinated Turn
6.5 Steady-Heading Sideslip
6.6 Barrel Roll
6.7 Problems
7 Geographic and Performance Relations
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Climb Rate
7.3 Load Factor
7.4 Ground Speed and Ground Track
7.5 Geographic Coordinates
7.6 Navigation
7.7 Problems
8 Atmospheric Disturbances
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Characteristics of Atmospheric Turbulence Models
8.3 Dryden Atmospheric Turbulence Model
8.4 von Kármán Atmospheric Turbulence Model
8.5 Rotational Disturbances
8.6 Application of Turbulence Models to Flight Simulation
8.7 Problems
9 Actuators, Sensors, and Communication
9.1 Introduction
9.2 First-Order Actuator Dynamics
9.3 Second-Order Actuator Dynamics
9.4 Simulating Sensors
9.5 Error and Quantization
9.6 Communication
9.7 Problems
10 Graphics and Visualization
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Center of Projection, View Plane, and Camera
10.3 Projection of a Point onto the View Plane
10.4 Representing Geometries
10.5 Common Geometry File Types
10.6 Instrumentation
10.7 Code Structure
10.8 Problems
Why Do We Care?
At first glance, it may seem that the value of flight simulation lies primarily in visualization of vehicle dynamics, performance prediction, and pilot training. While these are important applications, they represent only a small part of the role that accurate and modular flight simulation tools play in the development of modern aerospace vehicles. In fact, simulation is so central to the aerospace industry that ABET now includes simulation as one of four required pillars in every accredited aerospace engineering program.
Because hardware and software development, flight testing, and data collection are both expensive and time consuming, flight simulation has become an indispensable engineering tool throughout the vehicle development process. It enables engineers to evaluate concepts rapidly, explore design tradeoffs, reduce technical risk, and investigate system behavior long before a prototype is built or flown. Common applications include design trade studies, Monte-Carlo analysis, control-system development, autopilot tuning, system identification, flight-safety risk assessment, and root-cause investigation of flight incidents.
As aerospace systems become increasingly complex and development schedules continue to accelerate, the importance of accurate, modular, and well-validated flight simulation continues to grow. This book develops the mathematical models, numerical methods, and software architecture required to build such simulations from first principles.
About the Book
From the fundamentals of coordinate systems to the implementation of a complete six-degree-of-freedom simulator, Simulation of Flight provides a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of flight dynamics and simulation. Designed for aerospace engineering students, researchers, and practicing engineers, the text develops both the theoretical foundations and the practical computational methods required to accurately model and simulate the motion of vehicles through a fluid.
Notable topics include:
Coordinate Systems & Attitude Representation
Mass & Inertia Modeling
Aerodynamics & Propulsion
Equations of Motion & Numerical Integration
Trim, Performance & Navigation
Atmospheric Disturbances
Actuators, Sensors & Communication
Graphics & Visualization
Including more than 80 fully worked example problems with numerical solutions suitable for validating simulation software, Simulation of Flight places equal emphasis on theory and implementation. Readers are guided through the development of robust, modular flight simulation software from first principles, providing the confidence to build, verify, and extend their own simulation tools for education, research, and engineering applications.
Reviews
“The combination of sound theory, engineering insight, and implementation details makes this a text I would confidently recommend to both graduate students and professionals.” — Wayne Goodrich
“Dr. Hunsaker has written the book I wish I had when I first started working on flight simulators. It bridges the gap between mathematical theory and practical application better than any textbook I have used.” — Tyler Fean
"The treatment of aircraft trim, aerodynamic modeling, and atmospheric disturbances is particularly impressive. These chapters alone make the book a valuable addition to any aerospace library." - Kevin Bowcutt
"This is one of the few books that not only explains flight simulation theory, but also shows readers exactly how to implement it. The extensive worked examples make it an invaluable resource for students and practicing engineers alike." - Nick Alley
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