Part 1: Aerodynamics of an Airship

The problems of aerostatics and aerodynamics of the airship are considered. When calculating aerodynamic effects on an airship, the main attention is paid to the methods of computational aerodynamics. The results are verified by comparing them with the results of experimental studies in a wind tunnel. The aerodynamic characteristics of finned and unfinned airship bodies are obtained in the steady motion far from and close to the Earth’s surface. The influence of propellers on the aerodynamic characteristics of the airship is investigated, including in hovering mode, vertical takeoff, and landing. And the influence of the airship hull on the aerodynamic characteristics of the propellers in horizontal flight mode near the Earth’s surface is assessed. The aerodynamic characteristics of an airship in a steady flow with transverse shear near the ground and when moving through areas of jet-type atmospheric inhomogeneity are presented. Some issues of aerodynamic design of classical airships are considered. The work is intended for scientists, engineers, and postgraduates.