Overview
This course develops the theoretical and practical foundations required to analyse airflow around aircraft and aerodynamic components. Topics include fluid properties; pressure and velocity fields; conservation of mass, momentum, and energy; dimensional analysis; and the significance of Reynolds and Mach numbers.
The course examines incompressible and compressible flow, viscosity, boundary layers, separation, lift, drag, circulation, airfoil theory, finite-wing effects, induced drag, aspect ratio, downwash, and aerodynamic efficiency. Students are introduced to potential flow, elementary panel and vortex methods, wind-tunnel data, and computational fluid dynamics.
Compressible-flow analysis includes stagnation properties, isentropic relations, normal and oblique shocks, expansion waves, choking, and transonic effects. Students interpret pressure distributions and aerodynamic polars, estimate aerodynamic coefficients, compare theoretical, experimental, and computational results, and evaluate the assumptions and limitations of aerodynamic models in design applications.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply conservation laws, dimensional analysis, and nondimensional parameters to aerodynamic flow problems.
- Evaluate incompressible and compressible flow models for specified aircraft and operating conditions.
- Calculate lift, drag, moments, circulation, induced drag, and aerodynamic efficiency for airfoils and finite wings.
- Analyse boundary-layer development, viscous effects, flow separation, and their influence on aerodynamic performance.
- Select and apply suitable analytical, experimental, and computational methods to investigate aerodynamic behaviour.
- Interpret pressure distributions, aerodynamic polars, flow visualisation, wind-tunnel measurements, and computational fluid dynamics results.
- Assess the effects of geometry, Reynolds number, Mach number, and flight condition on aircraft aerodynamic performance.
- Communicate an evidence-based aerodynamic design analysis, including assumptions, uncertainty, model limitations, and engineering recommendations.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 3 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Fluid mechanics and dimensional analysis assignment | 15.00% |
| Assignment | Airfoil and finite-wing analysis assignment | 15.00% |
| Quiz | Short quizzes (5 × 2%) | 10.00% |
| Test | Mid-semester theoretical and computational test | 20.00% |
| Deliverable | Wind-tunnel or computational fluid dynamics investigation | 15.00% |
| Exam | Final examination | 25.00% |
Prerequisites
- MATH202 Fractions, Shapes, and Measuring
- Requirement Prior study in differential equations, vector calculus, and engineering mechanics.
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
