Module overview
Advanced Aeronautics further develops student’s knowledge in aerodynamics as applied to fixed wing aircraft and rotorcraft beyond the level achieved in Part II Aerodynamics, focusing on 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, with understanding of laminar and turbulent boundary layers as well as the process of transition to turbulence. These methods were applied to wings and rotorcraft dynamic analysis.
Linked modules
Pre-requisite module/s: SESA2022 or FEEG2003
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Engineering analysis
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Formulate and analyse complex problems in aeronautics to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
- The assignments give students opportunity to test their ability and judgment in choosing appropriate tools (inviscid method, viscous-inviscid interaction methods and CFD) and application of the technique to complex engineering problems (prediction and analysis of wing aerodynamics).
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- C1/M1: Apply advanced mathematical tools, comprehensive knowledge of flow physics and engineering principles to the solution of complex aeronautics problems, including solution methods for inviscid flow and boundary layers, viscous-inviscid interaction and blade element theory to the calculation of lift and drag of wings and rotor blades. This includes an appreciation of the state-of-the-art methods related to laminar flow aerofoils, transition prediction using the e^n method and the need for turbulent flow modelling. C2/M2: Formulate and analyse complex problems in aeronautics to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. C3/M3: The assignments give students opportunity to test their ability and judgment in choosing appropriate tools (inviscid method, viscous-inviscid interaction methods and CFD) and application of the technique to complex engineering problems (prediction and analysis of wing aerodynamics). C6/M6: Apply integrated appraoch to the solution of complex problems of flow over aircraft, by selecting potential, viscous or viscous/inviscid interaction method for aircraft lift and drag predictions. C7/M7: Evaluate the environmental impact of aircraft and rotorcraft via manipulation of the lift to drag ratio and assessment of alternative configurations, including societal aspects such as noise and lifecycle (laminar wing design and maintenance). C8/M8: Identify and analyse through case study and assessed coursework the ethical aspect of advanced aeronautics, including emissions, airworthiness and dual use technology.
Science and Mathematics
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply advanced mathematical tools, comprehensive knowledge of flow physics and engineering principles to the solution of complex aeronautics problems, including solution methods for inviscid flow and boundary layers, viscous-inviscid interaction and blade element theory to the calculation of lift and drag of wings and rotor blades. This includes an appreciation of the state-of-the-art methods related to laminar flow aerofoils, transition prediction using the e^n method and the need for turbulent flow modelling.
The Engineer and Society
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Evaluate the environmental impact of aircraft and rotorcraft via manipulation of the lift to drag ratio and assessment of alternative configurations, including societal aspects such as noise and lifecycle (laminar wing design and maintenance).
- Identify and analyse through case study and assessed coursework the ethical aspect of advanced aeronautics, including emissions, airworthiness and dual use technology.
Design and Innovation
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply integrated appraoch to the solution of complex problems of flow over aircraft, by selecting potential, viscous or viscous/inviscid interaction method for aircraft lift and drag predictions.
Syllabus
1.Conservation law
Conservation laws, Navier-Stokes equations, potential flow equation and solutions, 2D boundary layer equations
2.Methods for incompressible potential flow
Complex velocity potential, Conformal transformation, Lumped vortex method, Panel method and Slender wing theory
3.Methods boundary layer
Similarity solutions, Pohlhausen method and influence of pressure gradients on boundary, MIE and Thwaite’s method, boundary layer transition, e^n method for transition, and VII method
4.Rotorcraft
Actuator disc theory, Blade element theory and rotorcraft aerodynamics for typical manoeuvre,
5.Operation risk factor
Review of influences from gust, Environmental turbulence, icing/surface roughness
Revision
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
Lectures (3 per week).
Supporting material on Blackboard.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lecture | 36 |
Revision | 18 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
Completion of assessment task | 24 |
Follow-up work | 54 |
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 |
---|---|
Assessment | 20% |
Final Assessment | 80% |
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