Cap7 Z

A M E R I C A N S T A N D A R D

Letter S y m b o l s for
A e r o n a u t i c a l Sciences
ASA Y10.7-1954 Prepared b y Sectional Committee on
Letter Symbols
UDC 003.62:533.6

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers

National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics

Institute of the Aeronautical Sciences
American Rocket Society

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS

29 West 39th Street, New York 18, N. Y.
 T A B L E OF C O N T E N T S
Page
General P r i n c i p l e s o f L e t t e r Symbol Standardization ....................................... 5
L e t t e r Symbols f o r Primary C o n c e p t s ................................................................
L e t t e r Symbols f o r S e c o n d a r y C o n c e p t s ...........................................................
Symbols for u s e a s Subscripts ..........................................................................
Symbols for u s e a s S u p e r s c r i p t s ......................................................................
Appendix I ............................................................................................................
Recommended D e s i g n a t i o n s for S y s t e m s of A x e s , Angular R e l a t i o n -
ships, and Quantities Related Thereto
Appendix 11 ..............................................................................................................
Alphabetical Index b y Concepts

Sectional Committee on Letter Symbols

H.M. Turner, Chairm.an, A s s o c i a t e Professor, Electrical Engineering,
Y a l e U n i v e r s i t y , New Y a v e n , Conn.

P e r s o n n e l of Subcommittee No. 7 o n L e t t e r Symbols for A e r o n a u t i c a l S c i e n c e s

Thomas F. Ball, Chairman, Bureau of Ordnance, Department of the Navy, Washington, D.C.
Roy C. Hopgood, Secretary, 420 Lexington Ave., New York, N.Y..
J.V. Charyk, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, N. J.
Charles W. Chillson, Curtiss-Wright Aeronautical Corporation, Caldwell, N.J.
W.M. Coates, U.S. Naval P o s t Graduate School, Monterey, Calif.
W.S. Diehl, Captain, USN, Bureau of Aeronautics, Department of the Navy, Washington, D.C.
Hugh L. Dryden, Director of Aeronautical Research, National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics,
Washington, D.C.
Donne11 W. Dutton, Director, Daniel Guggenheim School of Aeronautics, Georgia Institute of Technology,
Atlanta, Ga.
Maurice A. Garbell, President, Maurice A. Garbell, Inq., San Francisco, Calif.
1.E. Garrick, National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, Langley Aeronautical Laboratory,
Langley Field, Hampton, Va.
Newman A. Hall, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn.
James A. Hootman, National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, Washington,, D.C.
H.C. Johnson, Glenn L. Martin Co., Baltimore, Md.
C.T.G. Looney, Department of Civil Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Conn.
Clark B. Millikan, Director, Guggenheim Aeronautical Laboratory, California Institute of Technology,
Pasadena, Calif.
F.T. Morse, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Virginia, Chartlottesville, Va.
John D. Nicolaides, Bureau of Ordnance, Department of the Navy, Washington, D.C.
R. Hosmer Norris, General Engineering Laboratory, General Electric Co., Schnectady, N.Y.
G.L. Shue, Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation, San Diego Division, San Diego, Calif.
Harold K. Skramstad, Naval Ordnance Laboratory-Corona, Corona, Calif.
M.J. Thompson, Defense Research Laboratory, University of Texas, Austin, Tex.
R.J. Volluz, Ordnance Aerophysics Laboratory, Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation,
Daingerfield, Texas
Calvin N. Warfield, Applied P h y s i c s Laboratory, The Johns H o p k ~ n s University, Silver Spring, Md.
John M. Wuerth, Aerophysics Laboratory, North American Aviation Corporation, Los Angeles, Calif.
Charles H. Zimmerman, National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, Langley Aeronautical Laboratory,
Langley Field, Hampton, Va.

Copyright, 1954, by
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
Printed in U.S.A.
 Foreword
(This Foreword i s not a part of the American Standard Letter Symbols for Aeronautical Sciences, Y10.7-1954.)
T h i s standard was prepared by Subcommittee
No. 7 on Aeronautical Sciences, one of fifteen
subcommittees appointed by Sectional Committee
Y 10 on Letter Symbols, for the purpose of prepar-
i n g American Standard letter symbols. T h e other
subcommittees cover mathematics, hydraulics,
mechanics of solid bodies, structural analysis,
heat and thermodynamics, illuminating engineer-
ing, electrical and magnetic quantities, radio,
physics, chemical engineering, acoustics, mete-
orology, feedback-control systems, rocket propul-
sion, and general principles.
Sectional Committee Y10 (originally desig-
nated Z10) was organized under the procedure of
the American Standards Association in January,
1926, with the American Society of Civil En-
gineers, American Institute of Electrical En-
gineers, American Society for Engineering Edu-
cation, American Society of Mechanical Engineers,
and the American Association for the Advance-
ment of Science,, a s joint sponsors. T h e commit-
t e e was reorganized in 1935, in 1947, and igain
in April, 1951, with ASME sole sponsor. It now
c o n s i s t s of representatives of 42 national socie-
t i e s and associations.
Subcommittee No. 7 was originally constituted
in April, 1926, and submitted a proposal which
w a s issued a s a standard in 1930. Rapid develop-
ments in concepts relating t o the aeronautical
sciences rendered the 1930 standard obsolete,
and the subcommittee was reconstituted in June,
1947, with substantially i t s present membership,
for the purpose of developing a new standard. A
proposed standard was published i n January,
1949, for trial and criticism, and the resulting
American Standard in this field was published
in January, 1950.
T h e 1950 standard was admittedly deficient in
certain respects, for compromises had been made
in order to expedite approval and publication.
Since the 1950publication, the subcommittee h a s
attempted to rationalize some of the original in-
consistencies, and the re quired number of changes
h a s appeared to justify reissue of the standard
in i t s present revised form. Concepts beyond
those listed in the present revised standard a r e
the subject of further subcommittee work, con-
templating a possible later revision.
During the course of its work the subcommittee
h a s considered a number of special letter symbols
relating particularly to meteorology, to feedback-
control systems, and to jet propulsion (including
rockem).* ,- I t h a s been the consensus that some
- - ~~
letter symbols and concepts in these fields are
s o specialized a s not properly to fall within the
s c o p e of Subcommittee No. 7. Special Y10 sub-
committees have now been established in these
fields, and therefore no attempt h a s been made
to be exhaustive (in the present standard) i n the
matter of letter symbols for special concepts in
meteorology, in feedback-control systems, and in
internal aspects of propulsion.
Recognizing the practical fact that most p u b
lished and duplicated papers and other works in
the fields of aeronautics and aerodynamics are
duplicated by some process relying upon the u s e
of a typewriter, the subcommittee h a s made no
u s e of type-face variations in orderto distinguish
l e t t e r symbols. I t i s believed that this feature
will simplify thepreparatibn of typewritten dupli-
cations, but, of course, General Principle 4 (see
page 6) will still be applicable to printed publi-
cations.
In the present standard there are two listings
of the same symbols and quantities (in the c a s e
of letter symbols for primary concepts and for
secondary concepts) in order to facilitate u s e of
t h e standard. The first listing i s alphabetical by
symbol, and the second i s alphabetical by con-
c e p t ( s e e Appendix 11, page 23). The first two
columns (namely, the Symbol column and the
Concept column) of the first listing constitute
t h e American Standard, and all other columns
and listings (including Appendix Ion axes, angu-
l a r relationships, and related quantities) are
merely to facilitate u s e of the standard. In the
third column of the first listing of letter symbols
for primary concepts, illustrative dimensions a r e
given, but these dimensions are not a part of the
standard; in the fourth column of the first listing
t h e extent of agreement with current American
Standards is indicated and i t will be noted that
this agreement i s substantial; in the fifth column
o f the first listing a r e certain remarks including
definitions, but these form no part of the standard.
'Pending recommendations by other ASA-Y10 subcommit-
teen on tbeae topica, aome aymbola and concepts in theae
fields a m recommended herein.
 In general, any of the recommended letter s y m
bols for primary concepts may b e employed a s
subscripts i n application to another symbol for a
primary concept. This recognizes the f a c t that a
given primary concept may in certain circum-
s t a n c e s b e employed a s a modifying or secondary
concept. F o r this reason, there h a s been no
deliberate attempt made to include in the sub-
s c r i p t l i s t a l l the symbols which may b e employed
a s subscripts, particularly where such'symbols
maybe found in the published listing o r principal
l e t t e r symbols. In certain c a s e s , recommended
subscripts may be used a s superscripts.
Multiple subscripts and superscripts a r e fre-
quently necessary i n the more complex p h a s e s of
t h e aeronautical s c i e n c e s and are condoned
provided the following system i s observed:
(a) Two adjacent subscripts (superscripts)
impiy that the second subscript (super-
script) modifies the first subscript (super-
script) or that both subscripts together
represent an abbreviation (e.g. z , , -
position of aerodynamic center).
(b) Two adjacent subscripts (superscripts)
separated by a comma imply that t h e
second modifies the quantity represented
by the principal symbol.
(c) A subscript to a subscript d e n o t e s t h e
derivative of the quantity, represented
by t h e principal symbol, with respect to
the quantity related to the second subscript.
Thus, for example:
~ C L
'~,denoteh 7ck!
, and
-
denotes d C l
($1
In designating aircraft components, i t i s recom-
mended that lower-case letters be general1 y used
Any part of this standard may b e quoted. Credit lines shoutd read: "Extracted from American Standant
L e t t e r Symbols for Aeronautical Sciences (ASA Y10.7-1954) w i t h the p e n n i s s w n of the publisher, The
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 29 U'est 39th Street, New Y o r k 18, N.Y."
a s subscripts whenever the terms occur in mathe-
matical expressions; e.g., be-elevator span; -S,
wing area. Capital letters should b e used to des-
ignate component parts of a configuration, a s used
in models for wind-tunnel testing, and various com-
ponents of the model under t e s t should be distin-
guished by means of n u m e r ~ c a ls u b scripts; thus,
F,B,N,would represent a model including the No.
1 fuselage, the No. 3 wing, and the No. 2 nacelle.
Since such configuration symbols a r e not usually
employed a s s u b s c r i p t s , they are not included in
the present l i s t of subscripts; thus, in the present
list of subscripts, symbols for aircraft components
generally appear a s lower-case letters.
In the field of turbulent-flow analysis, practice
i s not well enough established to permit the
recommendation of symbols pertaining to turbu-
lence intensity, to turbulence energy distribution
(i.e., the so-called spectrum of turbulence), and
to turbulent-fluctuation frequency. Meanwhillt, the
limited needs for such symbols should be met by
u s e 'of symbols for analogous concepts in other
fields. I t will be noted, however, that recom-
mendations are made herein for symbols to ex-
press mean-velocity component (E) and turbulent-
velocity' component ( u ' ) , the recommended sym-
bols being the bar and t h e prime, respectively, to
be applied to a suitable velocity symbol.
Since publication of ASA Standard 210.7-1950,
the subcommittee h a s given careful consideration
to the subjects of axis conventions (with attend-
a n t problems of moment designations, coeffi-
cients, etc.), number designations, and flutter.
Much i s now standardized in these fields, and
Appendix I contains further recommendations
on the first of t h e s e t o ~ i c s .
A draft, dated April, 1954, was presented to the
members of Sectional Committee Y 1 0 for letter
ballot vote. Following its approval and that of
the sponsor, i t was submitted to the American
Standards Association for approval and designa-
tion. T h i s mas granted on 0 ctober 7, 1954.
 AMERICAN STANDARD
LETTER SYMBOLS FOR AERONAUTICAL SCIENCES
General Principles of
Letter Symbol Standardization
1 Letter Symbols. A letter symbol for a phy si-
cal quantity 1s a single letter, specified a s to
general form of type. It i s available for use within
3 mathematical expression. This primary symbol
may be modified by subscript or superscript. In
a published work, the same primary letter symbol
should appear throughout for the same generic
physical quantity, regardless of the units em-
ployed, and of special values assigned.
Usually, one may readily distinguish between
letter symbols for physical quantities, and other
published symbols and signs. The latter, while
more or l e s s analogous, belong largely to topics
not treated here, such a s , (i) mathematical signs,
(ii) chemical symbols, (iii) punctuation, (iv)
proofreading signs, and (v) abbreviations (widely
used in tabulations).
2 Four General Requirements for Published
Symbols and Signs. A s i s generally recognized,
each published symbol or sigfl, of whatever kind,
should be a t least:
(a) Standard, where ~ o s s i b l e . In the use
of published symbols, authors of technical works
(including textbooks) are urged to adopt the
symbols in this and other current standard l i s t s ,
and to conform to the principles stated here. An
author should give a table of the symbols he
u s e s and their respective interpretations, or e l s e
refer to a standard list a s source for symbols
which he i s using but does pot explain. For work
in a specialized or developing field, the author
may need symbols in addition to those already
contained in standard lists. In such a case he
should be careful to select simple suggestive
symbols which yet avoid conflict in the given
field and in other closely related special fields.
Except in this situation, he should not introduce
new symbols or depart from currently accepted
notation.
(b) Clear in reference. One should not
assign t o a given symbol different meanings in
such a manner a s to make i t s interpretation in
a given context ambiguous. Conflicts must be
avoided. Often a listed alternative symbol or a
modi+ing subscript i s available and should be
adopted. Except in brief reports, any symbol not
October, 1954
5
familiar to the reading public should have i t s
meaning defined in the text. The units should be
indicated whenever necessary.
( c ) Easily 'identified. Because of the
many numerals, letters and signs which are sirni-
l a r in appearance, a writer should be careful in
calling for separate symbols which in published
form might be confused by the reader. For ex-
ample, many letters in the Greek alphabets
(lower case and capital) are practically indis-
tinguishable from English letters; the zero i s
easily mistaken for a capital (A
(d) Economical in ~ u b l i c a t i o n .One should
try to keep a t a minimum the cost of publishing
symbols. In particular: (i) Notations which call
for handsetting of movable type should be
rejected in favor of forms adapted to modem
mechanical methods of composition. (ii) No one
work should use a great variety of types and
special characters. (iii) Handwriting of inserted
symbols, in copy largely typewritten and t o be
reproduced in facsimile, should not be excessive.
(iv) Often a complicated expression appears a s
component part of a complex mathematical f o r
mula, for example, a s an exponent of a given
base. Instead, one may introduce, locally, a
single letter to stand for such a complicated
component. An explanatory definition should
then appear in the immediate context.
3 Secondary Symbols. Subscripts and super-
scripts are widely used and for a variety of con-
ventional purposes. For example, a subscript
may indicate: (i) the place of a term in a se-
quence or matrix, (ii) a designated state, point,
part, or time, or system of units, (iii) the con-
stancy of one independent physical quantity
among others on which a given quantity depends
for its value, (iv) a variable with respect to
which the given quantity, is a derivative. Like-
wise, for example, a superscript may indicate:
(i) the exponent for a power,(ii) a distinguishing
label, (iii) a unit or (iv) a tensor index. The
intended s e n s e must be clear in each case.
Several subscripts or superscripts sometimes
separated by commas may be attached to a single
letter. A symbol with a superscript such a s a
prime (') or second ("), or a tensor index,
 AMERICAN STANDARD
should be enclosed in parentheses, braces or
brackets before an exponent i s attached. So far
as logical clarity permits, one should avoid
attaching subscripts and superscripts to sub-
scripts and superscripts. Abbreviations, them-
selves standardized, may appear among sub-
scripts. A conventional sign, or abbreviation,
indicating the adopted unit may be attached to a
letter symbol, or corresponding numeral. Refer-
ence marks, such a s numbers in distinctive type,
may be attached to words and abbreviations, but
not to letter svmbols.
4 Typography. Letter symbols for physical
quantities, and their subscripts and superscripts,
whether upper case, lower case, or in small
capitals, when appearing a s light-face letters of
the English alphabet, are printed in italic
(sloping) type. Arabic numerals, and letters of
other alphabets used in mathematical expressions
are normally printed in vertical type. When a
special alphabet is required, boldface type i s to
be preferred to German, Gothic or Script tvpe. In
material t6 be reproduced in facsimile, tram copy
largely typewritten, letters which would be bold-
face in print, may be indicated to be such by
special underscoring, while the few distinct let-
ters used from other alphabets, if carefully made,
should be self-explanatory. It i s important to
select a type face which has italic forms, and
with clearly distinguished upper case, lower
case, and small capitals. Only type faces with
serifs are recommended.
 Letter Symbols for Aeronautical Sciences
A symbol designated a s an alternate i s n o t preferred. Symbolshaving equal rank are not designated a s alternates.
The dimensions given in the third column and the definitions given in the fifth column are merely illustrative and
form no part of the present standard. With regard to the indicated dimensions, and in a particular system of units, M repre-
sents Mass, L represents Length,. T represents Time, 'and 8 represents Temperature.

Letter Symbols f o r Primary Concepts

Also Appears
Symbol Concept Dimensions in ASA Publication Remarks

Slope of lift curve Dimensionless

Velocity of sound Use c for alternate
Area, cross-sectional Use S for surface or
projected area
Aspect ratio Dimensionless See (written together)
for alternate
Ai Aspect ratio, alternate
(written for
together)
b Blade width (propellers)
b Semichord, alternate for
c/2 (flutter)

L
1 Used in Z10.3,Z10.6,
210.8 for breadth
Use s for alternate for
semispan (b/2)

Chord, of an airfoil L Use b a s alternate for

c/2, semichord (flutter)

Section coefficient Dimensionless

Section coefficient Dimens'ionless In flutter, section coefficients
(flutter) reduce to steady-flow coef-
ficients under steady-flow
conditions. Use subscripts
or superscripts to indicate
any or all of the following
items:
(1) whether for lift or
moment,
(2) acting on what component
or about what axis,
(3) due to what kind of mo-
tion (or degree of free-
dom),
(4) of what component.
These items may be indi-
cated in the form c ::
(e.g. c lhow ); since c ,,
34

i s , in general, a complex
quantity, i t can be divided
into its real and imaginary
Darts. as:-

L E T T E R SYMBOLS FOR PRIMARY C O N C E P T S (Cont.)
Symbol Concept
Velocity of sound, alter-
nate for; g a s velocity
(rockets)
Specific heat, a t constant
pressure
Specific heat, at constant
volume
Circulation function, for
harmonic oscillations
( flutter)
Coefficient
Concentration
Diameter
Di arneter
Drag
Span effectiveness
Internal energy, per unit
mass or per unit
weight, alternate for
Energy
Modulus of elasticity;
Young's modulus
Cyclic frequency
Force; resultant force
Thrust; stream thrust
(combus tion)
Acceleration due to
gravity
S tructur a1 damping
coefficient (flutter)
AMERICAN STANDARD
Also Appears
Dimensions in ASA Publication Remarks
2T-28-1
L2T-20-1
Dimensionless Used in expressing a function,
as C(k), meaning circula-
tion function of reduced
frequency k ( s e e NACA
Report 496 by Theodorsen).
C(k) = F(k) + iG(k), or, in
terms of Hankel functions,
Dimensionless See Appendix I and Figure 2;
also, s e e K for factor which
may have dimensions
I Dimensionless
Interchangeable, but con-
flicts with differential
operators shall be
avoided
Dimensionless
L ~ T (per
- ~ unit
mass); L (per
unit weight)
ML~T-~
ML' IT-2
Distinguish from u for
circular frequency
See Appendix I
Use T for propeller thrust
LT-2
Dimensionles s Use with appropriate subscript
to indicate type of vibra-
tion. Section damping force
or moment may be introduced
proportional to amplitude
and in phase with velocity,
a s , for example, by applying
the factor(1tig) to the
stiffness term
 L E T T E R SYMBOLS FOR AERONAUTICAL SCIENCES

Also Appears
Symbol Concept Dimensions in ASA Publication Remarks

Mass velocity; mass- ML-'T- (mass

flow, per unit cross- flow)
sectional area, per
unit time; weight-flow, ML-'T'~ (weight
per unit cross-sectional flow)
area, per unit time
Shear modulus ML-~T-~
A1ti tude
Blade thickness
(propellers)
Deflection, from a speci- Function of space coordinates
fied plane, due to and time; u s e z (lc) for
bending (flutter) alternate, when with refer-
ence to z-y plane
Enthalpy, per unit mass L ~ T (per
- ~ unit
or per unit weight: mass)
specific enthalpy er unit
weight)
Heat-flow rate, per unit MT-~O-'
of area, per degree,
across a boundary
surf ace
Angul ar mom entum
Enthalpy; total heat
con tent I
Angle of incidence Dimensionless Usually characterized by a
I sub script
Impulse Subscripts should be
used to connote type
of impulse
Mass moment of inertia
Mass moment of inertia,
per unit length
Area moment of inertia
Advance ratio of Dimensionless
propeller
Mechanical equivalent Dimm sionless Numerical value is a function
of heat; Joule's of mechanical and thermal
constant units used
Torsional stiffness Used in torsional stiffness
con stan t GI; same a s area polar
moment of inertia only for

k I Radius of gyration
Ratio of specific heats,
L
Dimensionless
1 Z10.3,Z10.6,Z10.8
210.4
a circular cross-section

alternate for
Reduced frequency Dimensionless "% ob
'P
(flutter)
Thermal conductivity
Factor, for comparison
MLT'~~
May have
-' 210.4,Z10.6,ZlO. 12

purposes dimensions
Length; distance L ZIO.3,Z10.4,21O.6 Recommend useof italicized
symbol, and script ell
(lower case) if italicized
symbol i s not available.
Li ft MLT-2
Lift, per unit length MT-2
(flutter)
 AMERICAN STANDARD

LETTER SYMBOLS FOR.PRIMARY CONCEPTS (Cod.)

Also Appears
Symbol Concept Dimensions in ASA Publication Remarks

L Turbulence scale; L
correlation length
(turbulence)

rn Mass M Z10.2,Z10.3,Zl0.4,
Z10.6,ZlO. 12
rn Mass,per unitlength(f1utter) ML"
M Mach number Dimensionless Use NMo for alternate
M Moment, torcpe ML~T-~ Z10.3,Z10.8 See Appendix I; s e e also Q
M Moment, per unit length MLT'~
(flutter)
n Load factor Dimensionless
n Revolutions per unit time T" ~10.2,Z10.3,Zl0.6,Z10.12
N Normal force, alternate for MLT'~ See Appendix I
N Number, in general Dimensionless Z10.2,Z10.3,Z10.4,Z10.12 Usually characterized by
subscript; see Appendix I1
P Angular velocity of body- T'l See Appendix I; use ox
axis system about for alternate
X-axis
P Pressure; static pressure ML"T'~ Z10.2,Z10.3,Z10.4,Zl0.6,
Z10.8,Z~10.12
P Power ML~T'~ Z10.2,Z10.3,Z10.6,Z10.12

9 Angular velocity of body- T" See Appendix I; use o

axis system about for alternate
Y-axis
v2
4 Dynamic pressure ML-'T'~
Quantity of heat, per unit
PT
9 ML2T'3 210.4
time

(.
9 Quantity of heat,.per unit L'T-~ (per unit Z10.4,ZlO. 12
mass or per unlt weight; mass)
specific quantity of (per unit
heat wei9t)
Q Quantity of heat ML~T' '210.4,Z10.6,ZlO. 12
Q Torque (propellers and ML~T-~ See also
rotary-wing aircraft)
r Angular velocity of body- T'~ See Appendix I; use oZ
axis system about for alternate
Z-axis
r Radius L Z10.2,Z10.3,Z10.4,210.6,
Z10.8,Z10.12
r Reduced radius of Dimensionless Always used with appropriate
gyration (flutter) subscript
R Correlation coefficient Dimensionless Identification i s to be made
(turbulence) by suitable subscripts,
superscripts, or indication
of functional dependence
R Gas constant L 2 ~ - 2 0 -1 210.4,Z10.6,ZlO. 12 A s occuringin pv = R T
R Range L
 LETTER SYMBOLS FOR AERONAUTICAL SCIENCES
LETTER SYMBOLS FOR PRIMARY CONCEPTS (Cont.)
Symbol I Concept
R Reynolds number
R Richness; equivalence
ratio (combustion)
Entropy, per unit m a s s or
per unit weight;
specific entropy
S / Semispan, alternate for
Entropy
s Area, surface or projected
t Temperature, general
t Thickness
t Time
I
T Temperature, absolute
Thrust (propellers and
rotary-wing aircraft)
Internal energy, per unit
m a s s o r per unlt weight
specific internal energy ( L ( p ~unitweight)
Velocity, component of,
along X-axis
Internal energy
Heat transfer coefficient,
over-all
Velocity, alternate for;
gust velocity
Velocity, component of,
along Y-axis
Volume, per unit mass or
per unit weight;
specific volume
1 Velocity, resultant;
speed
V Volume
Velocity, component of,
along Z-axis
Weight flow, per unit time;
mass-flow per unit time
Weight
Also Appears
Dimensions i n ASA Publication Remarks
Dimensionless Use N R for a1 ternate
~ i m e sni o n l e s s R i c h n e s s i s >1 on the rich
s i d e of the stoichiometric
mixture, and <1 on the lean
side; u s e K meaning rich-
f
n e s s of the- fuel, when
necessary to distinguish
$ram other concepts con-
noted by R
L ~ T - ~ B(pkr
-
unit mass)
LO-1 (per unit
L
weight)
ML2 ~ - 2 8 - 1
Alternate for b/2
L U s e A for cross-sectional
area
Use 8 for alternate
Use for alternate
T
U s e F for other types
of thrust
( L ~ T (per
- ~ unit Z10.4,Z10.6,210. 12 I U s e e for alternate
r
LT- . S e e Appendix I and Figure 1
for designation of a x e s
Use E for alternate;
210.2,210.6 See Appendix I and Figure 1
for designation of a x e s
h 4 - l ~(per
~ unit Z10.4,210.6,ZlO.12
mass]
M - ~ L ~(per T
unit weight) I
LT-I z10.2,z10..4,z10.12 U s e U for alternate; u s e
either subscripts ( e S g . ,
VX, Vy, Vz)OrU7
for velocity components
V7 W
LT' S e e Appendix I and Figure 1
for designation of a x e s
MT-I $mass flow)
MLT-
 AMERICAN STANDARD

L E T T E R SYMBOLS FOR PRIMARY CONCEPTS (Cod.)

Symbol Concept Dimensions Also Appears Remarks

in ASA Publication
See Appendix I and Figure 1
x Coordinate along X-axis L for designation of axes

Y Coordinate along Y-axis L See Appendix I and Figure 1

z Coordinate along Z-axis L See Appendix I andFigure 1
z Deflection normal to X-Y L See h
plane (flutter)
W
Q Angle of attack Dimensionless Defined a s arctan --; see
u
Appendix I and Figures 1 and2
a! Angular acceleration T-~ 210.2,Z10.3,Z10.6,Zl0.8 -
a! Diffusivity, thermal L~T-~
Q Nozzle-divergence half Dimensionless
angle

P Angle of sideslip Dimensionless V ; See Ap-

Oefined a s arcsinV
pendix I and Figures 1 and 2
P Blade angle (propellers) Dimensionless
P Mach number relation, Dimensionless
II-M~ 1% o r IMZ-1 1%
P Nozzle-convergence half Dimensionless
angle

Y Ratio of specific heats Dimensionless Z10.4,Z10.6,Z10.12 Use k for alternate

Y Strain, shear Dimensionless Z10.3,210.8
Y Flight-path angle Dimensionless - Angle between a horizontal plane
and instantaneous direction of
motion of body center of
gravity, positive in climb; see
Appendix I and Figure 1
r Circulation; strength of L~T-'
a single vortex
I- Dihedral angle Dimensionless

6 Boundary-layer thickness L Use 8 for momentum thickness

6 Displacement, angular,
of control surface or
tab
6 Logarithmic decrement of
viscous (or equivalent
viscous)damping
6 Relative pressure
of boundary layer
Dimensionless Differential deflections must
b e clearly defined; in
flutter, symbol 6 i s often
employed for con trol-surface
angular displacement
Dimensionless --
Dimensionless Ratio of a pressure to the
standard pressure of atmos-
pheric air a t s e a level

c Angle of downwash Dimensionless

c Error signal Dimensionless
c Strain, normal Dimensionless 210.3, 210.8
f Turbulence-exchange ML-IT-
coefficient
c Emissivity (for radiant Divensionless ZlO.4,ZlO.6,ZlO. 12
heat)
 LETTER SYMBOLS FOR AERONAUTICAL SCIENCES

LETTER SYMBOLS FOR PRIMARY CONCEPTS (cont.)

I Also Appears
Symbl I Concept I Dimensions in ASA Publication Remarks

Efficiency Dimensionless

Temperature-recovery Dimensionless Usually employed with

factor
Angle of pitch
Angle of twist of an
elastic component
Momentum thickness of
boundaty layer
Temperature, alternate
for
Temperature ratio
I I
Dimensionless
Dimensionless Symbolar i s often employed
a s an alternate in flutter
L
8 1 Z10.3,210.4,Z10.6 I Use t if possible
Dimensionless Ratio of an absolute tempera-
ture to the standard abso-
lute temperature for atmos-
pheric air at sea level
I

h Mean free path L

A Microscale (turbulence) L Associated with turbulence
I I 1 I decay
Nozzle-divergence factor Dimensionless The theoretical ratio of thrust
of a diverging nozzle to
the thrust without diver-
gence of the flow
Taper ratio Dimensionless In any given tapered wing
element, the ratio of chord
a t the u p end to chord at
the root end
Wave length L
Sweepback angle Dimensionless
Mach angle Dimensionless
M B
Mass parameter of air- Dimensionless p --,rn wherel i s the reference
plane (stability) PSI length
4 m ; symbol --1ii;has
p =-
Mass parameter of air- Dimensionless
plane component npc
(flutter) been used a s an d t e m a t e
Viscosity absolute; ML"T" Z10.2,Z10.4,Z10.12
viscosity, cnefficientof
Poisson's ratio Dimensionless z 10.3
Kinematic viscosity L~T" Z1O.2,21O.4,ZIO.6,210.12 v=
P

P Mass density ML" Z10.2,210.3,Z10.4,210.6, Such h a t pl/P = pressure

Z10.8,Z10.12 2
Angle of sidewash Dimensionless
Relative density Dimensionless Ratio of a density to the
standard density of aanos-
pheric air at sea level
Solidity (propellers) Dimensionless
u Stress, normal; stress ML"T'~ 210.2,210.3
(intensity)
T

7 Stress, shearing M L ' ' ~ ~ 210.2,210.3

7 Time, alternate for T Z10."4,210.6,Z1O.12 Use t (Ic) if possible
7 Time ratio Dimensionless
 AMERICAN STANDARD

L E T T E R SYMBOLS FOR PRIMARY CONCEPTS (Cont.)

Also Appears
Concept Dimensions in ASA Publication Remarks
Symbol

9 Angle of 1011 (or bank) Dimensionless S e e Appendix I and Figure 1

9 Potential function Dependent on
definition
9 Helical angle of advance Dimensionless
(propellers)
Angle of yaw; effectiw Dimensionless See Appendix I and Figure 1
9 helix angle
I + Stream function Dependent on
definition
o Angular velocity; circu- T' 210.2,210.3,Z10.4,210.6 Use a a s alternate for
lar frequency 210.8,210.12 angular velocity
8 Angular velocity, a l t e r
nate for; mrticity
T"
I If possible, use o for
angular velocity
 Letter Symbols f o r Secondary Concepts
SYMBOLS FOR USE AS SUBSCRIPTS
(Note: Letter symbols for primary concepts may also be used for s u b s c r i p t s ; s e e Foreulord)

Subscript
Symbols
a Absolute
--- ---

Concept Remarks 1 Subscript

sy~boh~ Concept
Damping, general
- -
1 Remarks
When possible,
Added; additional II I I replace bv subscript
I Adiabatic See also ad for alter- 1 1 1 indicating directio;
1 of motion-or of
nate; u s e aw for

I Ai 1eron
Air; relative to air
adiabatic wall

Diffuser, d u c t
angular velocity
causing the damping

Allowable discharge U s e only for the dis-

Ambient See am for alternate charge coefficients
Available of nozzles and
orifices
ac Aerodynamic center
(of a surface o r Dry
airfoil section) Drag U s e d with section
ad Adiabatic, coefficient
alternate for
am Ambient, 1
1 e Earth bound As applied to axes
alternate for
av
A
Average
Axial
S e e also m for mean
See A ~ p e n d i xI i /
or to vector
components; s e e
Appendix I1
b Base Effective Use eff a s alternate
Basic Elevator
B ending S e e h for alternate Endurance

I I
Blade Engine
Burner; burnt; Equivalent 1
burning Exhaust; exhaust ,I -

t i c seealso i for fuselage e ff 'I

1 nozzle; e x i t
Effective, alternate
for I
Calibrated Use cal for alternate ELL / Euler (number) I
I ____-__-
Chord -- -A / -_ _ - --- -
Climb I
U s e b for combustion II f Fin - ---- - -.--- --
Combustion; com- Flap: flipper - --
bustion chamber chamber in gas- 1 Fluid; l i a ~ i dphase
-- -.

Set I for alternate

--

turbine power plants Flutter

to distinguish from Friction, friction - - - -
I c for compressor factor
I Compressibility,
compressible,
-
I! i Fuel
/ F u s e l a g e ; body
I ~ /
-- See also 4 for body
compression,
compressor
Coolant
-

Use c l for alternate 1;

Force; thrust
Frontal
; S e e also 7' for thrust
-
Critical Use c r for alternate /;r I Froude (nunber) 1 -----
..

Calibr ated,
alternate for Gage
Calculated Gas; combustion
Center of gravity g a s e s ; exhaust gas
Coolant, Gross May require care in
alternate for definition
corr Corrected Grashof (number)
Center of pressure Graetz (number)
CP
Cr Critical,
alternate for
Cross wind
Cauchy (number)
See Appendix I
Bending, alternate fo
Heat; heat exchanger
Hinge 1 --
-- -
-
- -
- - --
--
 AMERICAN STANDARD

LETTER SYMBOLS FOR SECONDARY CONCEPTS (Cont.)

SYMBOLS FOR USE AS SUBSCRIPTS
Subscript Concept Remarks Subscript Concept Remarks
Symbols Symbols
h Horizontal n Net May require care in
Hub See also r for root definition
H Higher Used primarily a s Normal to a surface S e e also N
applied to h e a t of Nozzle
combus tion Yawing moment S e e Appendix I
Neutral point (of a -
nP
i Ideal configuration)
Incidence (angle) N Normal
Indicated; observed Normal, perpendic- See Appendix I and
Induced ular to X-Y plane Figure 2
Inertial As applied to axes Nu Nusselt (number)
1 or to vector compo-
nents; s e e o Initial
Appendix I Outer
Inlet; intake; input Oxidizer See o x for alternate
Inner; internal Profile (drag)
Interference Standard or refer- See superscript aster-
e n c e condition; isk (*) for charac-
standard sea-level teristic or reference

I
i Jet May require care in
definition conditions value; s e e sl for
alternate for sea-
k Kinetic l e v e l conditions
Zero lift

/I
1 Liquid phase, Recommend u s e of OX Oxidizer, alternate
alternate for italicized symbols, for
Local condition, and script ell
just outside (lower case) if P a r a s i t e ; parasitic See para for alternate
italicized symbol P
boundary layer Polar
Lower (surface) i s not available Potential
Rolling moment See Appendix I Pressure, based on
Section lift Propellant; propel-
lam Laminar 1er; propul sive;
lat Lateral tailpipe
le Leading edge para P a r a s i t e , alternate
L Landing conditions for
Left P Power
Level Pe P e c l e t (number)
Lift U s e 1 with section Pr P randtl (number)
coefficient
Lower U s e primarily a s a p Q Torque (propellers See also for moment
plied to heat of and0rotary-wing
combustion aircraft)
- - -
m Mean See a l s o av for r Radial
average Ram May require care in
Pitching moment S e e Appendix I I definition
1
max Maximum Recovery
min M inimum Reference condition,
M Moment, in general alternate for
Ma i Mach (number) When used as a sub- Relative
s cript,thi s double- Root
1etter form i s Rotor; rotational See l? for alternate
recommended for Rudder
consistency with R Resultant
designations for Right
other dimension-
l e s s numbers
 LETTER SYMBOLS FOR AERONAUTICAL SCIENCES

LETTER SYMBOLS FOR SECONDARY CONCEPTS (Cont.)

SYMBOLS FOR USE AS SUBSCRIPTS
-- -- .- ---- A -- --
Subscript Subscript Concept Remarks
Concept Remarks
Symbols Symbols

R Rotor, alterwte for; - u Ultimate

rotational, alter- Upper (surface)
nate for -
Reynolds (number) v Vertical
Vapor
Shaft
Shear
vol Volumetric ------&
Slipstream U) Wall; surface See s for alternate
Speed-power Wind
Stability As applied to axes \king
o r to vector com- we U'eber (nuvber) --
ponents; s e e W Wave --
Appendix I
Stabilizer xs Excess
Surface, alternate X Component parallel Positive in positive
for to X-axis X direction; see
Standard sea-level, Appendix I
alternate for ---
Specific
Static Y Yield
Standard, alternate Y Component parallel Positive in positive
for to Y-axis Y direction; see
Stall conditions Appendix I
Stanton (number) ---
z Component parallel Positive in positive
to Z-axis Z direction; s e e
Tab See Tab for alternate Appendix I
Tail
Tangential 6 Angular deflection
Tensile of a control sur-
Throat See th for alternate
face or tab
Tip
Total; isentropic See also 'superscript 6 Boundary-lay er
zero ( O ) thickness, based
stagnation con-
on
ditions
-
---
Turbine 8 Elastic angular
deflection; twist
tab Tab, alternate for - ---
--
Trailing edge Density, based on -
Theoretical - P
Throat, alternate for * a Condition which ap-
turb Turbulent plies immediately
T Take-off and termi- after shock
nal velocity
conditions
Thrust (for propel- See also F for force; 0,1,2,3,4,. Station subscripts
lers and rotary- thrust -

wing aircraft m Undisturbed; free- -

Tunnel stream
 AMERICAN STANDARD

LETTER SYMBOLS FOR SECONDARY CONCEPTS ( C o n t . )

SYMBOLS FOR USE AS SUPERSCRIPTS
Super-
script
Symbol Concept Re marks

'(Dot) First derivative, T h e s e symbols are

with respect to written o-rer, not
time after, the principal
"(Double- Second derivative, symbol to which
dot with respect to they are applied
time
'(Prime) First derivative, Used in turbulent-flow
with respect to analysis to identify
distance; effec- a turbulent-veloci ty
component, - e.g.,
u ' = u - U ; also used
to designate the
pressure measured
by a total-head tube
in a supersonic
,
stream, e.g., p
'(Prime) To designate a Alternate for sub-
second s e t of scripts
axes, or quan-
tities related
to such a x e s
"(Double Second derivative, Commonly used for
prime) with respect to value per unit area
distance
- (Bar) Mean value T h i s symbol i s written
over, not after, h e
principal symbol to
which i t i s applied
+ (Plus) A dimensionless Commonly used for
measure of the boundary-layer flow
quantity con- and for flow in pipes
sidered
(7.ero) Total; isentropic See also subscript t
stagnation con-
di tion s
* (Asterisk) Characteristic or A s applied to u for
reference value; friction velocity
critical condi- (u*); as applied to
tions at (M = 1 6 - displace-
ment thickness of
boundary layer (6*)
 Appendix I
RECOMMENDED DESIGNATIONS F O R SYSTEMS O F AXES, ANGULAR RELATIONSHIPS,
AND QUANTITIES R E L A T E D T H E R E T O

1
1. Axes: Ze - Vertical earth axis, mutually perpendic-
X - Longitudinal body axis, in vertical plane ular t o longitudinal and lateral earth
axes, positive downward'
of symmetry and preferably coincident
with centerline of symrnPtrical body or Xi - Longitudinal inertial axis, usually as-
parallel t o thrust line of asymmetrical sumed t o l i e initially in plane tangent
fuselage; positive forward' . to earth's average surface, but fixed
with relation t o space"4
Y - Lateral body axis, perpendicular to vet-
tical plane of symmetry; positive t o Yi - Lateral inertial axis, usually assumed
right when looking forward (Same a s t o lie initially in plane tangent t o
lateral s t a b ~ l i t yaxis)' earth's average surface and perpendicu-
lar to the longitudinal inertla1 ax+ but
Z - Vertical body axis, in vertical plane of fixed with relation to space; posltlve to
symmetry and perpendicular to the longi- right when looking along p o s ~ t i v edirec-
tudinal and lateral body axes; positive tion of longitudinal inertial axis'
downward'
- Longitudinal wind axis, parallel t o the Zi - Vertical inertial axis, mutually perpen-
xw dicular t o longitudinal and lateral iner-
relative wind; posltive forward',' tial axes; positive downward initially'
Yw
- Lateral wind axis, perpendicular to the
longitudinal and vertical wind axes
positive t o right when looking forward"'
zw
- Vertical wind .axis, in vertical plane of
symmetry and perpendicular t o the rela-
tive wind, positive downward (Same a s 2. Angles:

-
vertical stability axis)'"
Longitudinal stability axis, parallel t o
,,
xs
the projection of the relatlve wind on
the vertical plane of symmtry,positive
forward
Ys - Lateral stability axis (same a s lateral
body axis)
Zs - Venical stability axis (same a s vertical
wind axis)
Xc - Longitudinal earth axis, lying in plane
tangent t o earth's average surface or in
plane perpendicular t o the direction of
gravitational force"4
Ye - Lateral earth axis, lying in plane tangent
to earth's average surface and perpen-
d i c q l y to the l o n g i t d i n a l earth axis;
positive to right when looking along
positive direct Ion of longitudinal earth
axis'
0 - Angles of attack and sideslip, respective-
l y , a s defined in Letter Symbols for
Primary Concepts (page 12); a l s o s e e
Figures 1 and 2.
y - Flight-path a n le, a s defined in Letter
Symbols tor ffrlrnary Concepts (page 12).
$, 6,+- Angles of yaw, pitch, and roll, respec-
tlvely; a system of three angles which
uniquely define with reference to one
coordinate sys tem (e.g., earth axes),
the orientation of a second coordinate
system (e.g., body axes). Any orienta-
tion of the second system i s obtainable
from that of the first by rotation through
each of the three angles in turn,the
sequence of which is important. The
preferred order is !l!usuated in Figure 1,
where the posltive directions are
defined. Any deviation from this order
must be clearly indicated.

'nody a x e s are orthogonal a x e s fixed i n the body, Choice of origin and orientation depend on nature of problem and
should be clearly defined (See Figures 1 and 2.)

2 ~ i n da x e s are orthogonal a x e s fixed with respect t o the instantaneous relative wind. Origin i s at the center of
gravity or designated moment reference point.

3 ~ fonly one s e t of a3es i s involved, the subscript may be omitted provided the e x e s ere clearly defined. If desired,
for simplicity, a prime ( ) may be used a s an alternate for the subscript provided it8 significance i s clearly indicated.

' ~ i r e c t i o n s of longitudinal earth and inertial a x e s must be clearly defined.

 APPENDIX I

1
Ezample: Let the orientation an l e s ($, ?,
4) be zero 5. Forces and Force Coefficients:
when the aircraft axes a t e afigned wlth the earth
-
a x e s (i.e., straight and level flight along the posi-
tive direction of t h X axis). Any other orientation
of the aircraft is then %ached by:
-
Name Force Positive
Coefficient Directim
Rotation (1). Yaw about Z-axis, through angle $, BODY AXES:
until X-axis l i e s in the vertical plane con- axial FA f-Fx) CA ( z x ) -X
taining i t s ultimate position:
Rota ion (2). Pitch about Y-axas, through angle side F~ Y Y
b, until X-axis points in its final direction.
Rotation (3). Roll about X-axls, through angle 4,
until aircraft has the required orientation. WIND AXES:
3. Angular Velocities: hag F~ C~ 'Xw
p, q, r - angular velocities of bodpaxis system crosswind F~ C~ w
(X, Y , 2, respectively), p-ositive clock- I lift FL C~ -zw
wise w k n looking in p o s ~ t i v edirection
of axes STABILITY AXES:
4. Linear Velocities: drag (approx.) Ff) Co' -Xs
side C~ Y,fY)
u, v , w - components of resultant velocity V
lift F~ L -Zsf-2 J
along body axes (X, Y, Z, respectively)

6. Moments and Moment Coefficients:

Name Moment Coefficient Positive Direction
ABOUT BODY AXES:
rolling M~ c1 is clockwise look-
ing forward
pitching MY m raises nose
yawing Cn rotates nose to
right
ABOUT WIND AXES:
rolling M ~ w is clockwise look-
C l * ~ ing forward
pitching m
' , w raises nose
yawing M ~ ~ v 'n, w rotates nose to
right
ABOUT STABILITY AXES:
rolling M ~ s C1, i s clockwise look-
ing forward
pitching /My) r'n raises nose
yawing M ~f"zw)
s 'n,w right nose to
rotates

NOTES:
1.) Symbols in parentheses may be used a s alternates.
2.) Force coefficient i s d e f i ~ e da s force d i v i d ~ dby the product of two quantities, namely, the dynamic pressure (g)
and a reference area.The choice of reference area depends on the nature of the problem, and the particular reference area
del,ends on the nature of t h e problem, and the particular reference area must be clearly indicated.
3.) Moment coefficient i s defined a s mon~entdivided by tt,e product of three quantities, namely the dynamic pressure
(9). a reference area, arid a reference length. The choices of reference area and reference length depend on the nature
of the problem. The reference arec. must be the some a s that used for the force coefficients. T h e reference length need
not be the same for p-itching, yawing and rolling moments and, along with the respective moment reference points, m u s t
be clearly indicated for each:
 APPENDIX I

NOTE:
P O S I T I V E SENSE OF AXES,
VELOCITIES, AND ANGLES
I S l NDl CATED BY ARROWS.

Xe
Figure I.- Orientation of coordinate systems, showing direction and sense of Euler angles.
 Appendix II

ALPHABETICAL INDEX BY CONCEPTS

1
Sub- Super- SUb-
Principal script script 'rincipal script
Concept Symbols Symbols Symbols1 Concept Symbols Symbols

Absolute Angular velocity of

Absolute temperature body-axis system
Acceleration, angular about X-axis
Acceleration due to Angular velocity of
gravity body-axis system
Added; additional about Y-axis
Angular velocity of
Adiabatic body-axis system
about Z-axis
Adiabatic wall Area, cross-sectional
Advance, helical angle Area moment of inertia
of (propellers) Area, surface or projected
Advance ratio
Aspect ratio
(propellers)
Aerodynamic center Attack, angle of,
Aileron relative to wind
Air; relative to air Avail able a
Airplane Average av
Allowable Axial
Bank, angle of -
A1ti tude Barometric bar
Base b
Ambient Basic b
Angle of attack, Bending
Angle of bank
Angle of blade Blade
1:b
(propellers) Blade angle -
Angle, dihedral (prope11ers )
Angle of downwash Blade thickness -
Angle, effective helix Blade width -
Angle, flight-path , (propellers)
Angle, helical, of
advance (propellers)
Angle of incidence Boundary layer, dis-
I7
-
Angle, Mach placement thickness of
Angle of pitch I Boundary layer,
Angle of roll momentum thickness of
Angle of sideslip Boundary-layer thicknes: 6
Angle of sidewash
Angle of sweepback
,
I
Burner; burnt; burning b
Angle of twist of an Calculated calc
elastic component
Calibrated
Angle of yaw c:1
Angular acceleration Cauchy (number) Ca
Angular displacement Center, aerodynamic ac
of control surface Center of gravity cg
or tab Center of pressure CP
Angular momentum Chamber, combustion C
h g u l ar velocity; Characteristic or
circular frequency reference value
APPENDIX I1
I APPENDIX I1

Sub- Super- Sub- Super-

Principal script script Principal script script
Concept Symbols Symbols Symbols Concept Symbols Symbols Symbols
Effective helix angle 6 - - Frequency, circular; - -
Effectiveness, span e - - angular velocity 1ik
Efficiency
E l a s t i c angular deflec- - -
'I
8
-
- Frequency, reduced
(flutter)
- -
tion; twist Friction; friction factor - f -
Elasticity, modulus of; E - - Friction velocity u* - -
-
Young's modulus Frontal F
Elevator - e - Froude (number) Fr -
Emissivity (for radiant a - - Fuel
N ~ r
f -
heat) Fuselage; body f -
- -

[i :
Endurance e
Energy - Gage g -
Energy, internal
- Gas; combustion g a s e s ; - g -
exhaust gas
Energy, internal, per
unit mass or per
- Gas constant
Gas velocity (rockets) c
R -
-
unit weight Graetz (number) N~ z Gz -
Engine - e - Grashof (number) Gr -
Enthal~y,ner unit mass h - - Gravity, acceleration N~ r
g -
or per unit weight; due to
specific enthalpy Gravity, center of Cg -
Enthalpy; total h e a t fi - - Gross - g
con t en t Gust velocity U -
Entropy s - - Gyration, radius of k -
Entropy, per unit m a s s s - - Gyration, reduced r -
or per unit weight; radius of (flutter)
specific entropy
Heat; heat exchanger - h -
Equivalence ratio;
richness(combustion)
Equivalent
Error Signal
Euler (number)
6
- c
-

-
Eu
e
-
-
-
-
Heat-flow rate, per unit
area, per degree,
across a boundary
surface
i, - -

- . -
Excess xs Heat, quantity of (2
Exchange, he at - h - Heat, specific quantity 4 -
Exhaust; exhaust - e - of; quantity vf heat,
nozzle per unit mass or per
Fxhaust g a s - g - unit weight
- - Heat transfer coeffi- C' -
Exit e
cient , over-all
Factor, for comparison k' - - Helical angle of ad- d
purposes vance (propellers)
- -
Factor, friction
Fin
f
f -
Helix angle, effective
Higher -4 H -
Flap - f Hinge h -
Flight-path angle Y - - Hori ton t a1 h -
- - h -
Flipper
Fluid; liquid phase
Flutter
-
-
if -
-
Hub

Ideal 1 -
Force: resultant force F F - Impulse 1
- See - Incidence (angle) i i -
Force cornponen t s footnote Indicated: observed i -
Force, cross-wind c - - Induced i -
Force, normal fl N - Inertia, area moment of 1 -
Free-stream; - (D - Inertia, mass moment of I --- -
undisturbed Inertial i -
Frequency, cyclic f - - Initial o

I
Note: Axis designations for particular coordinate systems may 'be used to connote direction ( e . g . . F X , F Y , Fzl.
 APPENDIX I1

Sub- Sup~r- Sub- Super-

Principal script scnpt Principal script script
Concept Symbols Symbols Symbols Concept Symbols Symbols Symbols
Inlet I - Mas's density P - -
Inner i - Mass-flow, per unit G - -
Input i - cross- s e c t ~ o n a area,
l
Intake i - per unit time; mass
Interference I - velocity
Internal i - Mass-flow , per unit time4 w - -
- - weight flow, per unit
Internal energy
{: time
- -
TnternaI energy, per - - Mass moment of inertia; I
clnit mass or per
unit weight
-
1: -
mass moment of iner-
tia, per unit length
Isentropi c stagnation
-
t
- Mass parameter of alr- - - -
conditions; total O (zero) plane (stability);
- -
Mass parameter of air- CL - -
Jet i
- -
plane component
Joule's constant; 1 (flutter)
rnechan ical equivalent
of heat
Mass velocity; mass-
flow, per unit cross-
G - ---
sectional area, per
Kinemaric viscosity
-
v - - unit time
Kinetic k
Maximum -
- max -
Laminar - lam -- Me an
- m --
(bar)
- I, - Mean free path X
Landing (conditions)
Lateral - lat Mean velocity compo- - - - (bar)
Leading edge - le - nent (turbulent flow)
- L Measure (dimensionless) ' - - (plus)
Left
Length; distance 1 - - of the quantity con-
+

Length, correlation L - sidered (boundary-

layer flow; flow in
(turbulence)
Level
Lift; lift, per unit
-
L
L
C
- pipes)
Mechanical equivalent 1 - -
length (flutter) of heat; Joule's
Lift curve, slope of a - constant
Lift, section - 1 - Microscale, turbulence X - -
Lik, zero - o - Minimum - min -
Liquid phase; fluid - I - Modulus of elasticity; E - -
Load factor n - - Young's modulus
Local condition, just - 1 Modulus, shear G - -
outside boundary Moment; torque M - -
layer Moment per unit M - -
Logarithmic decrement 8 - - length (flutter)
of viscous (or equi- Moment of inertia, area 1 - -
valent viscous) Moment of inertia, mass; I - -
damping mass moment of i n e ~
Lower - L - tia, per unit length
Lower (surface) - 1 Moment, pitching - m -
Moment, rolling - 1 -
- - -
Mach angle
Mach number n; Ma
-
-
Moment, yawing
Momentum, angular H -
-
n
-
-
{c. -
Momentum thickness of 8

' - boundary layer

Mach number relation P
1-,Va a Ma-1 % Net - n -
Mass; mass, per unit m - - Neutral point - nP -
length (flutter) Normal N - -
 APPENDIX I1

Sub- Sub- Super-

SF' Principal script script
Principal script scrlpt
Concept Symbols Symbols Symbols Concept Symbols Symbols Symbols

Normal, perpendicular - N - Pressure P

- P -
-
to X-Yplane Pressure, center of
Normal (perpendicular - n - Pressure, dynamic -CP
-
to a surface)
N - Pressure, relative i - -
-
Normal force N Pressure, static P
Normal strain c - - Pressure, total-head - -
d

'(prime)
Normal stress; stress (I - - (measured by total-
(intensity) head tube)
- - - -
Nozzle
Nozzle, exhaust -
0 -
n
e -
-
Profile
Profile (drag)
Projected area; surface
-
S -
P
o -
-
Nozzle-convergence
half angle area
Nozzlcdivergence h - - Propellant - P -
factor Propeller - P -
NO zzl e-divergence a - a Propulsive - P -
half angle - -
Number, in general N - - Quantity of heat Q - -
Numbers: Quantity of he at, per 9
Cauchy N Ca -
-
unit tirn e
- -
Euler gu Eu
- Quantity of heat, per.
unit mass or per unit
4
Froude
Graetz Pr Fr
Gz -
-
weight; s p e c ~ f i c
Grashof 4: Gr quantity of heat

{ to
Mach ,Ma - Radial - r -
- Radius r - -
- -
Nussel t
Peclet
Prandtl
Pu Nu
Pe
Pt
-
-
Radius of gyration
Radius, reduced, of
gyration (flutter)
k
r - -
- Ram - r -
Reynolds
Stanton
{ $:
N":
Re
St , -
Ran ge
Ratio of specific heats
R -
-
-
-
Weber G e
We -
- Ratio, time
I 1r - -
Nussel t (number) N~ u Nu Recovery - r -
Observed; indicated - i - Recovery factor, Tr - -
Outer - o - temperature
- -
Reduced frequency k
Oxidizer - - (flutter)
{oz Reduced radius of r - -
gyration (flutter)
- P - Reference (or standard) - -
Parasite; parasitic
Peclet (number) 'P P
{;; - con di ti on s
-
i;
- * (asterisk)
e Reference (or c h a r a c
-
Phase, liquid
Pitch, angle of
-
8
(f.
- -
teristic) value
Relative -
-
r -
-
Pitching moment m - - Relative to air
-
a
-
Poisson's ratio CL - - Relative density
Relative pressure
o
6 - -
Polar - P - Resultant - I2 -
Potential - P - Resultant force F - -
- - -
Potential function
Power
Prandtl number "'P
$'
I
Pr
P -
-
Resultant velocity

Revolutions, per unit

1 'U
n -
-
-
Precise or effective
value - - '(prime)
time
 APPENDIX II

Sub- Super- Sub- Super-

Principal script script Principal script script
Concept Symbols Symbols Symbols Concept Symbols Symbols Symbols
Specific volume; volume v - -
Reynolds number
{ 4e Re -
per unit mass or per
unit weight
Rithness; equivalence
ratio (combustion)
Right
(4
-
-

R
-
-
-
Speed
Speed-power
Stability (see Appendix
V
-
-
-
s
-
-
-
Roll, an#e of
Rolling moment
+
- 1
-
-
n)
Stabilizer -
s

s -
Root - r - Stagnation conditions, -
- t -
isentropic O (zero)
Rotor; rotational - - - -
- {R'r -
Stall conditions S
Rudder

L - -
Standard (or reference)
conditions 1 st:
-
Scale, turbulence
'Section coefficient c - - Standard sea-level
conditions
- :/ -
9ection lift -- 1 - - -
Semichord, alternate for
c/2 (flutter)
b - -
St a t ~ c
Static pressure
Station subscripts
P
-
- st
-
-
- - 0,1,2,3,4..
Semispan, alternate for s Stanton number "'s t St -
Shaft - s -
Shear - S - Stiffness constant, J - -
Shear modulus G - - torsion a1
- -
Shear strain Y - - Strain, normal
Strain, shear
c
- -
-
Shearing stress
Shock, condition which
applies immediately
-
T

o
--
- Stream function
Stream thrust; thrust
5F -
-
-
-
after (combustion)
Sideslip, angle of - - Stress, normal; stress T - -
3
I -
Sidewash, angle of u - (intensity)
- -
Slipstream - s - Srress, shearing T
- -
Slope of lift curve a - - Structural damping g
Solidity (propellers) u - - coefficient
W -
-
/:
.t-
Sound, velocity of - - Surface - S
- - Surface area; projected S - -
span b
- area
Span effectiveness e - - -
Specific - SP - Sweepback angle A
Specific enthalpy; h - -
enthalpy per unit Tab - -
weight Lb
- t -
Specific entropy;
entropy per unit mass
s - Tail
Tailpipe P -
-
-
-
Take-off conditions T
or per unit weight
Specific heat, at con- Tangen ti a1 t - -
stant pressure
c
P - -- Taper ratio h - -
Temperature, absolute T - -
Specific heat,at con-
cr - -
- -
stant volume Temperature, general
1 f!i
Specific heats, ratio of
Specific internal energy;
Ir u -
- -
-
Temperature ratio
Temperature-recove ry
factor
8
qr -
- -
-
internal energy, per
Tensile - t -
unit weight
Terminal-velocity - T -
Specific quantity of 4 - - conditions
heat; quantity of heat,
Theoretical - th -
per unit mass or per
Thermal conductivity k - -
unit weight
 APPENDIX I1

Sub- Super- Sub- Super-

Principal script script. Principal script script
Concept Symbols Symbols Symbols Concept Symbols Symbols Sypbols
Thermal diffusivity (Y - Velocity, angular, of P - -
Thickness t - - body-axis system
Thickness, blade h - - about X-axis
(propellers) Velociw, angular, of 4 - -
Thickness of boundary 2 8 - body-axis system
1ay er about Y-axis
Thickness (momentum) 8 - - Velocity, angular, of r - -
of boundary layer body-axis system
about Z-axis
Throat
Thrust; stream thrust
-
F
1Fti
-
- Velocity components Uyv,W
See
footnote
-
(combustion)
Thrust (propellers and T T Velocity (mean) com- - - - (bar)
rot ary-wing aircraft) ponent (turbulent flow:
Velocity (turbulent) - - '(prime)
Time
Time ratio
1:T
-
-
-
-
component, particular
Velocity, component o f , u - -
Tip - t - along X-axis
Torque; moment M M - Velocity, component of, C' - -

Q Q - along Y-axis
Torque (propellers and
rotary- wing aircraft) Velocity, component of, w - -
Torsional stiffness 1 - - along Z-axis
Velocity, friction u* - -
constant
-- t O (zero) Velocity, g a s (rockets) c - -
Tota1;isentropicstag
U - -
nation conditions
Total-head pressure - - '(prime)
Velocity, gust
Velocity, mass; mass- C - -
(measured by total- flow, per unit cross-
head tube) sectional area, per
Total heat content; H - - unit time
- -
enthalpy
Trailing edge -
-
te
-
- Velocity of sound
Velocity (conditions),
1:- T -
Tunne 1 T terminal
Iurbine - 1 -
Velocity vector, magni- w - -
Turbulence correlation R - -
tude of
coefficient -
Turbulence exchange
coefficient
45 - - Vertical
Viscosity, absolute;
-
P -
v
-
- - viscosity, coefficient
Turbulence mi croscale X
Turbulence scale L - - of
Viscosity, coefficient - -
Turbulent - twb - ofi absolute viscosity
P
Turbulent-velocity - '@rime) - -
component, particular
Twist of an elastic 0 H -
Viscosity, kinematic
Viscous damping, loga- s" - -
rithmic decrement of
component, angle of Volume V - 7

- - Volume, per unit mass 2' - -

Ultimate u
or per unit weight;
Undisturbed; free- - m - specific volume v - -
stream Volumetric - vol -
Upper (surface) - u - Vortex, strength of a r - -
single; circulation
vapor v - - -
- !2

p - Vorticity
Velocity, resultant Wall; surface -
- w
-
-
w Wave B
Velocity, angular;
circular frequency R Wavelength A - -

Note: Axis designations for particular coordinate systems may be used to connote direction (e.g., V x , V y , Vz).
APPENDIX I1
 American Standards f o r Abbreviations.
'I
Symbols and Charts
TITLE O F STANDARD PRICE .
L e t t e r Symbols for Aeronautical S c i e n c e s ( Y 10.7.1954) ..................... ............................. 81.25
Abbreviations for Scientific and Engineering T e r m s ( Z 10 . 1- 194 1).................................... 0.50
L e t t e r Symbols for I ~ y d r a u l i c s( 2 1 0.2- 1942) .......................................................................... 0.50
L e t t e r Symbols for l l e c h a n i c s of Solid Bodies (210.3- 1948) ............................................... 0.50
L e t t e r Symbols for Heat and Thermodynamics, Including Heat F l o w (210.4- 1943)........... 0.65
L e t t e r Symbols fnr P h y s i c s (210.6. 1948) ......................................................................... 1.00
L e t t e r Syrribols for Structural A n a l y s i s (Z10.8- 1949) .......................................................... 0.50
L e t t e r S y r b o l s for Radio ( Y 10.9. 1953) ............................................................................. 1.00
L e t t e r Symbols for Meteorology ( Y 10 .10- 1953) .................................................................. 1.00
L e t t e r Symbols for A c o u s t i c s (Y1O.ll-1953) ................................................................ 1-00
L e t t e r Symbols for Gear Engineering (86.5- 1954) .......................................................... 1.00
.
Drawings and Drafting Room P r a c t i c e ( Z 1 4 1- 1946) ...................................................... 1.50
Graphical Symbols for
:Y'elding and Instructions for T h e i r U s e ( Z 3 2.2. 1- 1949) ........................................
Plumbing (232.2.2-1949) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : ..........................................................
P i p e F i t t i n g s , Valves, and Piping (232.2.3-1949) ......................................................
FIeating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (71.32.2.4- 1949) .............................................
Railroad U s e ( 7 3 2.2.5- 1950) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
..
...
Ileat-Power Apparatus (232.2.6- 1950) ... .............................................
Abbreviations for U s e o n Drawings (232.13-1950) ..................................
Engineering and Scientific C h a r t s for Lantern S l i d e s (213.1- 1932; reaffirmed 1947) . .
Fngineering and Scientific G r a ~ h sfor P u b l i c a t i o n s (Z15.3- 1943;reaffirmed 1947) . . . . .
T i m e S e r i e s C h a r t s (215.2-1938; reaffirmed 1947) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20% Discount to ASllE r.rernbers .

A binder is available for holding t h e s e standards . It holds ttc~enty-five(25) pamphlets and
gives every advan.tage of a bound booh v i t h tlze at!(l'ed convenience zuhich comes from t h e ability
t o insert. remove. or transpose s e c t i o r ~ so f t h e contents . Price $3.25 postpairl .
A corirplete l i s t of Alr~erican Stanrlarrlr p u b l i s l ~ e rby
~ I'Ae American Society o f :lechanicd
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