Module overview
The Wing Aerodynamics module concerns the application of basic fluid dynamics principles to flow over external aerodynamic surfaces. This includes methods to calculate the potential flow outside the boundary layer as well as method to calculate the boundary layer itself. Understanding and ultimately controlling flow over wings requires understanding laminar and turbulent boundary layers as well as the process of transition to turbulence and these subjects are considered in some detail.
Linked modules
Pre-requisite module/s: SESA2022 or FEEG2003
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Check the accuracy of grids for CFD of wings.
- Analyse aerofoil flows using VII codes such as XFoil.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Study and learn independently.
- Communicate work in written reports.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Exact laminar boundary layer solutions.
- Structure of turbulent boundary layers.
- The key assumptions of potential flow and boundary layer theory.
- eN method of transition prediction
- Potential flow over aerofoils and wings, including slender wings.
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- C1/M1 As part of the individual assignment, students must demonstrate understanding of aerofoil performance, and analyse flow field around aerofoils at different configurations and influences to aerofoil performance. C3/M3 As part of the individual assignment, students must decide the most appropriate method to be applied for analysing aerofoil performance at different conditions, compare results from different methods and discuss their limitations. M6/C6 As part of the individual assignment, students applies the viscous/inviscid interaction method to a complex flowfield analysis, which solves different part of the flow using different methods and integrates the solutions for the whole flowfield.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Explain how panel methods are constructed.
Syllabus
Coursework (e.g. CFD of nozzle flow exercise) and examples sheets
Introduction
- Review of aerofoil and wing flow regimes, force and moment coefficients.
Viscous flow analysis
- Newtonian fluid. The Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible flow. Vorticity dynamics. Decomposition of flows into potential and rotational regions. Viscous-inviscid interaction. XFoil. Introduction to high lift airfoils.
Calculation of potential flow around aerofoils and wings
- Recap of main results for potential flow. Lumped vortex method for thin aerofoils. Source, vortex and doublet panels. Outline of a full panel method for 2D aerofoils. Applications of the complex potential.
Slender wing theory including comparisons with real flow over a slender delta wing. Vortex lattice method for wings. Effects of seep, taper, twist.
Laminar boundary layer theory
- Order of magnitude analysis leading to the boundary layer equations. Pohlhausen’s profiles with pressure gradient parameter. Boundary layer separation Falkner-Skan solutions of the boundary layer equations. Numerical solution of boundary layer equations. Momentum integral equation (MIE). Deductions based on MIE. Thwaites' integral method with examples.
Transition to turbulence
- Phenomenology of transition to turbulence with an overview of prediction methods based on stability theory. Natural laminar flow and laminar flow control. Swept wing transition.
Turbulence and numerical modelling
- Characteristics of turbulent flow. Dimensional analysis leading to Kolmogorov energy spectrum. Mean flow structure of a turbulent boundary layer. Mixing length and eddy viscosity modelling. Outline of turbulence prediction methods. Drag reduction techniques.
Revision
Coursework (e.g. Solution of laminar BLE, XFoil or CFD exercise for flow over aerofoil) and examples sheets.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
Lectures (3 per week).
Supporting material on Blackboard.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Completion of assessment task | 15 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
| Follow-up work | 54 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Revision | 27 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Can be repeated externally (100% exam) or internally.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final Assessment | 80% |
| Continuous Assessment | 20% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External