Aerodynamics

Learning Outcomes

Full CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate aerodynamic problems. This is assessed with compulsory attendance, performing experiments (in pairs) and use the collected data in preparing the laboratory report.
• Communicate effectively on complex aerodynamic issues with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used. This will be assessed with the lab report where you are expected to provide a brief non-technical introduction and then provide technical details on the different tools used for the analysis.
• Formulate and analyse complex problems in aerodynamics that involves using available data, mathematics, and engineering principles. Use engineering judgment to use/discard uncertain or incomplete data discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. This will be assessed in quizzes as well as laboratory report.
• Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics and principles to the solution of complex aerodynamic problems especially applied to determination of forces/moments of aerodynamic surface, which is assessed via quizzes and final assessment.
• Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex aerodynamic problems with sufficient recognition on limitations of the technique. These are assessed in quizzes, final assessment, and laboratory report
• Apply an integrated approach to analyse a wing design problem. The lab report is the place where this is assessed. Multiple tools are used to verify the outcome and communicated using a holistic lab report that presents information from 4 different labs.
• Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with the evaluation of lift and drag as well as associated trade-offs. This is assessed in the laboratory report where multiple theoretical, numerical, and experimental data sources are used to verify the outcome.

Knowledge and Understanding

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

• Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
• Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics and engineering principles to aerodynamics problems.
• Use practical laboratory skills to investigate the aerodynamic performance of wings(this includes putting together information from 3 different experiments
• ecognise the lack of representation in the area of aerodynamics and increase awareness of the benefits and importance of supporting EDI
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model aerodynamic problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
• Formulate and analyse aerodynamic problems to reach substantiated conclusions.Use available data from experiments, models, theory and simulations and use engineering judgment.
• 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

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 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.