| Unit name | Fundamentals of Aerodynamics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CADE20003 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Gaitonde |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Engineering Science (or equivalent), AVDASI 1 (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 enables fluid dynamic forces acting on air vehicles to be quantified, and is therefore an essential topic for aerospace engineers. The unit builds on students’ prior knowledge of lift and drag acting on aerofoils and wings, but provides a deeper theoretical underpinning of these concepts as well as an appreciation of underlying assumptions and sources of modelling errors. This unit aims to provide students with an essential understanding of fluid flows related to fixed and rotary wing aircraft, and to provide fundamental concepts and methods required for experimental, theoretical and computational aerodynamic modelling.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit builds on fundamental knowledge from first-year Engineering Science and AVDASI 1, as well as concepts taught in Engineering Mathematics (e.g. vector calculus). The unit provides fundamental theories and modelling methods for fluid flows, which form the basis for more advanced computational and experimental modelling. It also offers a theoretical grounding to the applied use of aerodynamic modelling tools in the AVDASI 2 design-build-test activity. Further, the knowledge of aerofoil and wing theory is essential for aircraft design tasks in later years.
An overview of content
The unit teaches aerodynamics in three general themes: compressible flow, incompressible flow, and helicopter aerodynamics. Students are shown the various levels of approximation used in aerodynamic modelling, enabling them to select appropriate methods for different applications.
Students will apply 2D incompressible, inviscid potential theory to model the flow around simple bodies and aerofoils. The theory is extended to 3D incompressible flow as applied to finite wings, to explain the effect of planform on aerodynamic behaviour and on the generation of lift-dependent drag. Essential compressible flow theory is used to model simple 1D and 2D flows, to explain the impact of compressibility on intake and nozzle flows and on wing characteristics. Aerodynamic concepts are also applied to rotorcraft, providing insight into specific considerations for the design of helicopter aerodynamics. The unit also offers an introduction to experimental aerodynamics through scheduled wind tunnel lab activities.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will have gained a foundational understanding of aerodynamic flow around fixed and rotary wing aircraft, providing theoretical grounding for further computational and experimental modelling, as well as providing a deeper understanding of aircraft flight.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities, which include lectures, labs, drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Formative tasks will include weekly progress tests and exercise sheets.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
[80%] – invigilated exam (ILO 1 - 4)
[20%] – online lab test (ILO 5)
When assessment does not go to plan
A reassessment retains the same format as the original assessments.
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. CADE20003).
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.
