| Unit name | Aerodynamics and Numerical Simulation Methods |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CADE30002 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Jones |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Fundamentals of Aerodynamics, Engineering Mathematics 2 (EMAT20200), or equivalent |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
Aerodynamics is one of the fundamental disciplines of aerospace engineering. This unit advances the students’ theoretical knowledge of airflow around wings and other aerodynamic surfaces, including the influence of laminar boundary layers, and the transition to turbulent flow. In parallel, the unit develops numerical and simulation methods to solve the fluid dynamic equations, introducing students to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The ability to solve equations numerically and evaluate the accuracy, stability and convergence of the numerical schemes has applications in a wide range of engineering disciplines.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit builds on the concepts taught in second-year Fundamentals of Aerodynamics, and introduces the numerical and simulation methods required to solve the flow equations (Computational Fluid Dynamics). This unit provides students with the aerodynamic and numerical methods knowledge for their research project, as well as prepares the students for specialist experimental and numerical aerodynamics units in the final year.
An overview of content
This unit covers aerodynamic theory, as well as numerical and simulations methods used to solve the aerodynamic flow equations. The theoretical part of the unit introduces methods for the practical analysis of aerofoils in both inviscid and viscous flows. Topics include: the effect of boundary layers on the lift/drag of aerofoils; transition and turbulence; software tools that make use of aerodynamic modelling methods, their formulation, implementation, uses and limitations. In parallel, this unit provides an introduction to the fundamental principles involved in numerical and simulation methods for aerodynamics. Forms of the governing flow equations are discussed and then reduced to a simple model equation, which is used for the development and testing of fundamental numerical methods. Accuracy, stability and convergence of these schemes are investigated mathematically. Issues involves in applying these methods to real aerodynamic flows are the discussed, i.e. methods required to produce simulation methods, including mesh generation aspects, finite-volume methods, and computing implications.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will have advanced their theoretical understanding of aerodynamics, and built an appreciation of the numerical and simulation methods that underpin modern computational fluid dynamics.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, which may include lectures, drop-in sessions, computer labs, problem sheets and self-directed exercises.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Formative tasks will include example sheets, and self-directed exercises supported by computer labs.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
[100%] – exam (ILO 1 – 5)
When assessment does not go to plan
A reassessment retains the same format as the original assessment.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. CADE30002).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
