Thermofluids for Aerospace Engineers

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Apply conservation laws to analyse the characteristics of aero engine components.
• Analyse the performance and efficiency of aerospace thermodynamic systems.
• Estimate aerodynamic losses from measurements or from first principles.
• Use principles of dimensional analysis to plan and analyse suitable wind tunnel experiments for aerodynamic testing.

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• C1 Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics requires the application of knowledge of mathematics, and engineering principles to broadly-defined problems such as types of fluid flow, statics, thermodynamic process and multi-process systems such as heat engines. This occurs in both coursework and final assessment. C2 Complex problems involving thermodynamics and fluid mechanics need to be solved starting from first principles of mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, which will be tested in coursework and final assessment. C3 In coursework and final assessment, appropriate computiational or analytical techniques need to be selected and applied to model complex problems. Limitations of the techniques need to be recognized. C7 The environmental impact of engineering solutions need to be recognized and analysed in both coursework and final assessment, with the specific aim to minimize adverse impacts. C12 Practical laboratory and workshop skills are used to investigate thermodynamics processes, dimensional analysis, and momentum conservation. One lab will be summatively assessed. C17 A summative lab report tests the students ability to communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical audiences.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Conduct laboratory experiments, obtain insight from analysing data and communicate your analysis to a technical audience.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Core thermodynamics concepts: state variables, the equation of state, thermodynamic equilibrium, idealised processes and the fundamental laws of thermodynamics.
• The underpinning fundamental principles of mass, momentum and energy conservation.
• The importance of kinematic and dynamic similarity in experimental testing and the impact of key non-dimensional numbers on various flow regimes relevant in aerospace.
• How heat engines produce work from heat, and the parameters that determine the efficiency of this process.
• Sources of aerodynamic drag in streamlined and bluff bodies, as well as pressure losses in internal flows.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Apply conservation principles to characterise an engineering system by decomposing it into its constituent sub-components.
• Recognize and understand the physical principles driving aerospace systems.
• Conduct laboratory experiment to collect suitable data and write laboratory reports that include your critical analysis.

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

Teaching and learning methods

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.

Assessment strategy

The Learning Outcomes of this module will be assessed through a blended approach, including continuous assessment via Blackboard quizzes, a laboratory report, and a final exam to test your understanding of fundamental concepts and your problem solving skills.

Feedback will be provided through module communications, during lectures, tutorials and associated with formative activities. Feedback will be provided generally to the module cohort and specifically to groups and individuals. For the lab report, detailed feedback on technical writing will be provided.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.