Objectives
Understand and describe the forces (lift and drag) induced on a body by flow. Identify the associated design parameters. Formulate and apply flow models appropriate to aerodynamics. Estimate the accuracy of predictions resulting from such models from a design perspective.
Keywords
Lift, Drag, Aeronautics, Vehicles, Lifting Surfaces.
Programme
- Flight dynamics. Piloting and control surfaces. Longitudinal flight equilibrium. Flight stability.
- Two-dimensional wing design. Essential elements of aerofoil theory. Thin aerofoil theory. Models: potential flow, panel methods.
- Lift and 3D effects. Lift/circulation relationship and its consequences for 3D flow. Elliptic loading and its generalisation. Models: lifting-surface and lifting-line theories.
- Drag control. Laminar and turbulent boundary layers. Parameters influencing transition. Components of drag on an aircraft.
- Compressibility effects. Mach number, shock waves. Transonic and supersonic aerofoils. Models: Prandtl-Glauert and Ackeret theories.
Laboratory class: study of an aerofoil in a wind tunnel and comparison with numerical simulations. Tutorial class: basic aircraft modellings. Tutorial class: geometrical design of an aerofoil satisfying given specifications.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the basic principles of aircraft flight.
- Master the basic models of aerodynamics.
- Pre-design of lifting surfaces in aerodynamics.
Assesment
Final mark = 55% Knowledge mark + 45% Know-how mark Knowledge mark = 100% final exam Know-how mark = 100% continuous assessment (laboratory and tutorial reports)