Aerodynamics is the branch of fluid mechanics that studies how air forces act on a body immersed in a moving fluid, that is, in a given flow. On this Aerodynamics course, you will learn about all aspects of lift and drag forces in aeroplanes and other aircraft, the influence of shape and profile on speed, and the pressure exerted by the moving fluid on a body immersed in the flow, such as a rocket in the atmosphere.
Sector-specific
Airports
25 hours
Fundamentals of Aerodynamics for Aeronautics
Airports
25 hours
Introduction
Objectives
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Describe what aerodynamics is and the most basic concepts associated with it.
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Distinguish between the main aerodynamic forces.
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To distinguish between compressible and incompressible flow and relate them to bodies immersed in fluids.
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Explain the aerodynamics that primarily affect the wings of an aircraft.
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Describe the main high-lift devices that aircraft can use to influence lift.
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Explain how spacecraft and rockets operate in the atmosphere.
Table of Contents
TEACHING UNIT 1. INTRODUCTION TO AERODYNAMICS
Definition of aerodynamics
- Relationship with dynamics
- Relationship with fluid mechanics
Continuity equation
Current lines and trajectories
The importance of the boundary layer
- Different boundary layers
- Boundary layer improvements
NACA airfoils
The Laplace equation in several dimensions: elementary solutions and computational methods
- Harmonic functions
- Green’s identities
Linearised potential theory of profiles
TEACHING UNIT 2. AERODYNAMIC FORCES
Justification
Resistance
- Types of resistance forces
Speed–angle of attack relationship
Pressures on a cylinder. Distribution
- D’Alembert’s paradox
- Effect of viscosity on the flow
Moments of pitching
TEACHING UNIT 3. COMPRESSIBLE AND INCOMPRESSIBLE FLUIDS
The difference between a compressible and an incompressible fluid
The difference between laminar and turbulent flow
Bernoulli’s equation for incompressible and compressible fluids
Incompressible flow around profiles
Incompressible flow around wings of finite span
TEACHING UNIT 4. AUTOMOBILE AERODYNAMICS
The car
Aerodynamics in cars
- The car and the basic principles of aerodynamics
TEACHING UNIT 5. AERODYNAMICS OF WINGS
Circulation theory: Kutta–Joukowski theorem
- Generation of circulation. Kelvin’s theorem
Difference between regimes
Wings in subsonic flight
- Relationship with lift and drag
- Swept-back wings
- Supercritical aerodynamic profiles
Wings in supersonic flight
- Mach cone
- Supersonic profiles
- Delta wings and short wings
TEACHING UNIT 6. HYPERSTATIC STRUCTURES
Flaps
- Leading-edge flaps
- Trailing-edge flaps
Leading-edge slots
Vortex generators
Other high-lift devices
TEACHING UNIT 7. AERODYNAMICS OF SPACE VEHICLES AND ROCKET VEHICLES
Aerodynamics of spacecraft
Aerodynamics of rocket vehicles
Aerodynamics in the atmosphere
- Factors to consider during the launch
- Forces acting during the trajectory
- Landing on a planet
- Re-entry into the atmosphere
The importance of wind tunnels
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