Aerodynamics

Learning Outcomes

Engineering analysis

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Formulate and analyse aerodynamic problems to reach substantiated conclusions.Use available data from experiments, models, theory and simulations and use engineering judgment. Account for uncertainty or incomplete data, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (M1). Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model aerodynamic problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (M2).

Economic, legal, social, ethical and environmental context

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Evaluate the environmental impact of aerodynamic solutions such as wing performance and its link to emissions as well as the need to produce better-performing lifting surfaces (B7) Recognise the lack of representation in the area of aerodynamics and increase awareness of the benefits and importance of supporting EDI (B11).

Science and Mathematics

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics and engineering principles to aerodynamics problems. Some of the knowledge will be informed by current developments in the subject of study (B1). Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics and engineering principles to the solution of problems in aerodynamics. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments in CFD tools, computational and experimental methods as well as latest flow control technologies (M1).

Engineering practice

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Function effectively as an individual and as a member of a team when carrying out aerodynamics experiments in the lab as well as subsequent data analysis (B16). Use practical laboratory skills to investigate the aerodynamic performance of wings(this includes putting together information from 3 different experiments (M12). Communicate effectively the outcome of a wing design process with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used in the experiments, simulations and theory (M17). Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD (M18).

Design

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution for the design of an aircraft wing. That is combine - aerofoil profiles, finite wings and assess both lift and drag performance of a desired wing (M6).

Fundamental concepts:

Recap of Thermofluids concepts, non-dimensional numbers and sanity checks, Partial derivatives and corresponding physical concepts, numerical implementation, vorticity & irrotational flow, Mass and momentum conservation using partial derivatives, How CFD works.

Viscous flow:

Types of boundary layers, integral properties of boundary layers, displacement thickness, momentum thickness, momentum integral equation for a flat plate (MIE), power law approximations for turbulent boundary layers, drag on a flat plate for laminar and turbulent flow including transition. Numerical implementation of various concepts.

Potential Flow:

Streamlines and velocity potential, Laplace equation, Uniform stream, source/sink, doublet and line vortex. Superposition of different flow elements with examples: uniform flow with source, flow around circular cylinder/doublet, lifting flow over circular cylinder, method of images.

Thin Aerofoil Theory:

Kutta-Joukowski theorem, Vortex sheets, Kutta condition, symmetric aerofoil (lift-versus-angle of attack, aerodynamic centre & centre of pressure) and cambered aerofoil (lift-versus-angle of attack), surface loading/pressure distribution, Flow over real airfoils.

Finite Wing Theory:

Downwash & induced drag, Biot-Savart law, bound vorticity, horseshoe vortex, classical lifting line theory, application to elliptic & general wing planforms, Flow over real wings.

Laboratory sessions:

1) Boundary layer lab – measuring velocity profiles of laminar and turbulent boundary layers

2) CFD lab – application of commercial CFD software to flow over an aerofoil

3) Wind tunnel lab for an infinite wing – measuring pressure distribution and integrating it to estimate lift.

4) Wind tunnel lab for a finite wing - measuring lift and drag of a finite wing and assessing its performance

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods will include lectures, video tutorials, drop-in sessions and laboratory demonstrations. Learning activities include directed reading, problem solving, report writing.

Summative

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

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External