Galison P., Roland A. (eds.) Atmospheric Flight in the Twentieth Century

Springer, 2000. — 383 pp. — (Archimedes, Vol. 3)
This book brings together scholars from the history of technology, history of science, engineering, sociology, and philosophy in an effort to better understand aeronautical research and the full range of mechanisms by which flight technology has advanced in the twentieth century. Case studies range from detailed examinations of specific developments such as turbines and flight test equipment to investigations of patents policies and accident investigations. Most studies focus on United States experience, but there is some foreign coverage as well as international comparison. The book will appeal to scholars and college-level students in both the humanities and social sciences and in technical fields as well.Introduction (by Alex Roland and Peter Galison).
Understanding Flight
An Accident of History (by Peter Galison).
Aerospace in Adolescence: McCook Field and the Beginnings of Modern Flight Research (by Peter L. Jakab).
The Changing Nature of Flight and Ground Test Instrumentation and Data: 1940-1969 (by Frederick Suppe).
The Emergence of the Turbofan Engine (by George E. Smith and David A. Mindell).
Engineering Experiment and Engineering Theory: The Aerodynamics of Wings at Supersonic Speeds, 1946-1948 (by Walter G. Vincenti).
International Comparisons
Wooden Airplanes in World War II: National Comparisons and Symbolic Culture (by Eric Schatzberg).
American Aviation Technology: An International Heritage (by Roger E. Bilstein).
The Wind Tunnel and the Emergence of Aeronautical Research in Britain (by Takehiko Hashimoto).
The Evolution of Aerodynamics in the Twentieth Century: Engineering or Science? (by John D. Anderson, Jr.).
Flight, Economics and Culture
Airframe Manufacture and Engineering Exchange (by Robert G. Ferguson).
Blaming Wilbur and Orville: The Wright Patent Suits and the Growth of American Aeronautics (by Tom D. Crouch).
Who Designs Airports. Engineers, Architects, or City Planners? Aspects of American Airport Design Before World War II (by Deborah D. Douglas).
Pools of Invention: The Role of Patents in the Development of American Aircraft, 1917-1997 (by Alex Roland).
Epilogue.
Discussion Paper (by David Bloor).