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.