13/01/2021 Module descriptors | Faculty of Engineering | Imperial College London

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Module descriptors

The module descriptors for this programme can be found below.

PLEASE NOTE: Structural Dynamics will not be available for 2020-21 study. New modules will be added, so please
check back later in the Summer.

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 ows 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 ows, and the effects of structural exibility.  Basic
methods for aerofoil and wing design are introduced.

The aim of the course is to give students:

A suf cient body of knowledge of the nature of such ows that they may grasp the essential aerodynamic
principles applied to wing design.
Some (necessarily limited) familiarity with techniques for analysis, prediction and measurement of such ows,
and an awareness of the limitations of the various techniques.
An introduction to quantitative design procedures.
 

Learning outcomes
At completion of the course, students should be able to:

Understand the basic principles for the analysis and design of aerofoils and wings, their limitations and range
of applicability.
Apply a coupled viscous-inviscid solution program to analyse the viscous ow past an aerofoil, deciding
appropriate parameters to model transition, and assessing the likely validity of the solution.
Given a design requirement, to be able to outline suitable features of an airfoil section or wing that might be
employed to achieve the requirement, or to improve an existing design.
 

Module syllabus
Evolution of aircraft: A short review of the historical evolution of aircraft
Standard atmosphere and fundamental dimensionless quantities
Aerofoil sections:  Geometry and aerodynamic behaviour for subsonic, transonic and supersonic ows.
VII calculation methods: hierarchy of uid 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 ow. Aerofoils for supersonic ow.
Wings: Geometry. Aerodynamic behaviour. Design for low-speed ight. Preliminary design: the equivalent wing
concept. Analysis of 3-D subsonic ows past wings: lifting-line theory, vortex-lattice and panel methods, CFD codes.
Transonic wing design: planform area, swept wings and area rule.
Aerodynamics crutches: leading-edge extensions, vortilons, wing fences, vane vortex generators, stall strips,
winglets.
Advanced topics: introduction to 2D aeroelasticity; modelling apping wings and unsteady ows around aerofoils
Design Exercise:  Students apply the computer code XFOIL (1 class session, 1 session by themselves) to aerofoil
design.
 

Pre-requisites
None
 

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13/01/2021 Module descriptors | Faculty of Engineering | Imperial College London

Teaching methods
The course is mainly presented using the blackboard and overhead projector.
 

Assessments
Examined Assessment
2 hour written closed-book examination in January (90%) , one coursework assignment (10%).

Non-Examined Assessment
Revision quiz (peer-marked)
 

Reading list
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