Applied Aerodynamics
Module aims
The course presents an advanced description of the aerodynamics of wings and aerofoil sections. Methods for the analysis and prediction of 2-D as well as 3-D flows over aerofoils and wings are covered, together with an introduction to procedures for quantitative design. The notable features of wing and aerofoil aerodynamics are outlined, including transition and the analysis of viscous flows, and the effects of structural flexibility. Basic methods for aerofoil and wing design are introduced for low- and high-speed compressible regimes.
Learning outcomes
At completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. Determine the basic principles for the analysis and design of 2D aerofoils and 3D wings, their limitations and range of applicability.
2. Critically evaluate the importance of viscous and compressibility effects on the aerodynamic perfromance characteristics.
3. Infer suitable features of an airfoil section or wing that might be employed to achieve a given design requirement, or to improve an existing design.
4. Apply a coupled viscous-inviscid solution program to analyse the viscous flow past an aerofoil, deciding appropriate parameters to model transition, and assembling the likely validity of the solution.
Module syllabus
Standard atmosphere and fundamental dimensionless quantities.
Aerofoil sections: Geometry and aerodynamic behaviour for subsonic, transonic and supersonic flows.
VII calculation methods: hierarchy of fluid model equations, inviscid models and panel methods, boundary-layer equations, VII methods for interaction between viscous and inviscid models, stability and transition, Mark Drela's XFOIL code. High-lift devices for take-off and landing.
Introduction to the ESDU aeronautical engineering datasheets. Supercritical aerofoil sections in transonic flow. Aerofoils for supersonic flow.
Wings: Geometry. Aerodynamic behaviour. Design for low-speed flight. Preliminary design: the equivalent wing concept. Analysis of 3-D subsonic flows past wings: lifting-line theory, vortex-lattice and panel methods, CFD codes.
Transonic wing design: planform area, swept wings and area rule.
Aerodynamic crutches: leading edge extensions, vortilons, wing fences, vane vortex generators, stall strips, winglets.
Advanced topics: introduction to 2D aeroelasticity; modelling flapping wings and unsteady flows around aerofoils.
Design Exercise: Students apply the computer code XFOIL (1 class session, 1 session by themselves) to aerofoil design.
Pre-requisites
None
Teaching methods
The content of the module is delivered via a combination of slides, whiteboard and visualizer.
Learning will be reinforced through tutorial question sheets and computer-based exercises (XFOIL computer lab session), featuring analytical/modelling tasks representative of those carried out by practising engineers.
Assessments
2 hour written closed-book examination (80%) , one coursework assignment related to the XFOIL computer lab (20%).
Formative assessment opportunities are provided for you to self-assess your learning via tutorial problem sheets and tutorial sessions.
If module is failed, the typical reassessment offered will be exam only.
| Assessment type
|
Assessment description
|
Weighting
|
Pass mark
|
| Examination
|
Closed-book written examination
|
80%
|
50%
|
| Coursework
|
XFOIL coursework
|
20%
|
50%
|
You will receive feedback on examinations in the form of an examination feedback report on the performance of the entire cohort. Furthermore, individual feedback will be provided for the coursework assignmnet.
You will receive feedback on your performance whilst undertaking tutorial exercises, during which you will also receive instructions on the correct solution to tutorial problems.
Further individual feedback will be available to you on request via this module’s online feedback forum, through staff office hours and discussions with tutors.