Thermofluids for Aerospace Engineers

Learning Outcomes

Fundamental Thermodynamics Concepts & Tools - Kinetic theory of gases - Thermodynamic variables and properties of gases - Thermodynamic equilibrium and equations of state - Closed/open systems and fundamental thermodynamic processes Conservation of Energy – The First Law of Thermodynamics - Thermodynamic processes, work and heat - The First Law of Thermodynamics The value of heat – The Second Law of Thermodynamics - Entropy, reversibility and the Second Law of Thermodynamics - Ideal cycles, heat engines, and thermodynamic efficiency - The Carnot cycle The Brayton Cycle and Gas Turbines in Aerospace Engines - The Brayton cycle, and the gas turbine - Thermodynamic efficiency, the pressure ratio - Aspects of sustainable aviation Aerodynamic Testing and Flow Regimes - Dimensional analysis and the Buckingham Pi theorem - Kinematic and dynamic similarity - Aspects of experimental testing in aerospace - Characteristics length/velocity scales, the Reynolds and Mach numbers - Flow regimes: Laminar/turbulent, incompressible/compressible flow Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics - Definition of a fluid and the continuum hypothesis - Fluids at rest: Pascal’s law and stratification in the atmosphere - Flow classification: steady/unsteady, viscous/inviscid flows - Fluids in motion: Lagrangian and Eulerian representations - Flow visualisation: streak/stream/path lines Getting Thrust from Flow – Conservation of Mass and Momentum - Control volumes and conservation laws - Mass conservation and flows in ducts - Momentum conservation, nozzles and fundamentals of jet propulsion Flow Energy and Its Applications to Aerospace Propulsion - The Steady Flow Energy Equation (SFEE) - Simplification to incompressible, inviscid flow: the Bernoulli equation - Analysis of aero engines components with the SFEE Viscous Flow – Aerodynamic Drag and Its Sources - Drag generation in Poiseuille/Couette/channel flows - Aerofoils, irrotational flow and the boundary layer - Velocity profiles and boundary layer thickness - Laminar/turbulent transition - Attached/separated flow – friction/pressure drag

The module employs a multifaceted approach to teaching and learning. First, lectures elucidate core principles of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, but also demonstrate their direct applicability to diverse aerospace systems. To further strengthen your grasp of these principles, the module offers weekly tutorials designed to align with the specific needs of the Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering programme. These tutorials build upon the fundamental concepts and reinforce your problem solving skills by demonstrating how the performance of various aerodynamics and thermodynamics systems can be analysed from first principles. Complementing the theoretical aspects, a series of laboratory classes is integrated into the curriculum. These hands-on sessions highlight the practical significance of the theory by immersing you in a variety of real-world problems ranging from aerodynamic drag to the laws of thermodynamics. Further, completion of a laboratory report will strengthen your technical writing skills, which you will build upon in later parts of the programme. Through this holistic approach, not only you will acquire theoretical knowledge but also gain the practical skills necessary to excel in the field of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering.