A minimum-domain impulse theory for unsteady aerodynamic force with discrete wake

We extend the impulse theory for unsteady aerodynamics, from its classic global form to finite-domain formulation, then to a minimum-domain version for discrete wake. Each extension has been confirmed numerically. The minimum-domain theory indicates that the numerical finding of Li and Lu (2012) is of general significance: The entire force is completely determined by only the time rate of impulse of those vortical structures still connecting to the body, along with the Lamb-vector integral thereof that captures the contribution of all the rest disconnected vortical structures.