1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding and appraisal of key fluid flow theory as it relates to transport aerodynamics. (AHEP 4: F1, F2)
2. Explain the basic principles for the computational aerodynamic analysis and design of aeronautical configurations, their limitations and range of applicability. (AHEP 4: F3)
3. Critically evaluate subject appropriate Aerodynamics applications (AHEP 4: F4)
4. Appreciate the importance and limitations of experimental and numerical methods in aerodynamic design and analysis. (AHEP 4: F3)

A coursework weighted at 100% This will assess all Learning Outcomes. The coursework will assess the students’ theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes F1, F2, F3, F4.

During this module you will be introduced to the basic principles of aerodynamics in the context of transportation. Refreshing and building on the fluid dynamics knowledge you have previously gained. You will consider the various components that can modify aerodynamic performance; such as aerofoils, wings, spoilers and fairings. From this, you will then investigate the integration of aerodynamics across a whole system, whether aircraft or vehicle to show the interconnectivity of the various areas of transport engineering are.

Principles of Fluid Flow: Stress, rate of strain, viscosity, normal and shear stress.
Flow over an Aerofoil: Lift, boundary layer stall.
The Atmosphere: Properties of the atmosphere.
Measurement Techniques: Measurement of static and total pressure.
Mach number and Reynolds number.
Conservation of Mass: Control volume analysis, conservation of mass in a compressible flow, Incompressible flow, streamlines and stream functions.
Rotation of a Fluid Element: Vorticity, irrotational flow and Laplace’s equation.
Conservation of Momentum: Newton’s second law, Euler equations, Bernoulli’s equation, force on a nozzle.
Viscous Stresses: Skin friction, two-dimensional laminar boundary layer, boundary layer development, flat plate boundary layer, effect of pressure gradient, separation.
Internal Flow: Laminar flow in a two-dimensional duct, laminar flow in a circular cross-section pipe.
Turbulent Flow: Introduction to transition, turbulence, turbulent pipe flow.
Wings: Brief introduction to flow around wings, trailing vortices.
An introduction to computational aerodynamics and its goals.
Introduction to CFD: Governing equations and boundary conditions. Review of basic numerical methods: finite differences, finite elements, and finite volumes. Stability and convergence.
Pre-processing: Geometry and grids. Grid quality
Post-processing and flow visualization

During this module you will be introduced to the basic principles of aerodynamics in the context of transportation. Refreshing and building on the fluid dynamics knowledge you have previously gained. You will consider the various components that can modify aerodynamic performance; such as aerofoils, wings, spoilers and fairings. From this, you will then investigate the integration of aerodynamics across a whole system, whether aircraft or vehicle to show the interconnectivity of the various areas of transport engineering are.

You will be provided with material through a Virtual Learning Environment (for example, Blackboard). Material will be presented via a mixture of printable handouts, presentations and videos that will include both theory and worked examples. You will be required to keep up-to-date with the schedule and work through the tutorial questions to consolidate understanding. Support will be provided via a discussion group on Blackboard and contact with Module Tutors via email, telephone and/or video call (Blackboard Collaborate or Teams).

- Abbott, I. H. and Von Doenhoff, A. E., (1960) Theory of Wing Sections Dover Publ.
- Anderson, J. D., (2023) Fundamentals of Aerodynamics 7th Ed McGraw Hill
- Bertin, J. J., and Cummings, R. M., (2021) Aerodynamics for Engineers, 6th Edition, Pearson.
- Houghton, E. L. Carpenter, P. W., Collicott, S. H., Valentine, D. T., (2016) Aerodynamics for Engineering Students, 7th Edition, Butterworth-Heinemann
- Jameson, A., (2022); Computational Aerodynamics (Cambridge Aerospace Series), Cambridge University Press
- Sharma, A., (2022) Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics: Development, Application and Analysis. Springer
- Versteeg, H. K. and Malalasekera, W., (2007) An Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics The Finite Volume Methods, Pearson Prentice Hall

Blackboard
Scientific Calculator
Students will need to ensure that they have access to a computer and reliable internet connection