2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
MECH3790 Aerodynamics and Aerospace Propulsion
20 creditsClass Size: 60
Module manager: Dr Andrew Shires
Email: A.Shires@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2016/17
Pre-requisites
MECH1215 | Thermofluids 1 |
MECH2670 | Thermofluids 2 |
This module is mutually exclusive with
MECH3496 | Thermofluids 3 |
Module replaces
MECH 3485 Aerodynamics with Computational Fluid DynamicsMECH 3750 Aerospace PropulsionThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module will provide students with a good understanding of experimental and theoretical aerodynamic analysis methods and their integration in the design process. It emphasises the importance of aerodynamics in engineering product design, particularly for aerospace vehicles. Students should be able to apply these basic aerodynamic principles to other application areas such as the design of racing cars, wind turbines, fans, buildings, sailing boats, etcThe module also extends students thermo-fluid dynamic knowledge to the analysis of aerospace propulsion systems.Objectives
The module aims to provide a solid understanding of practical aerodynamic flows relevant to aeronautical engineering and of aerospace propulsion systems.Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, the student will be able to:
- Explain how experimental and theoretical analyses can be applied to aerodynamic design
- Review the governing equations for aerodynamics and methodologies for solving them computationally;
- Gain skills in problem solving in the area of aerodynamic design using panel methods
- Understand flow structures and describe the behaviour of flows around basic shapes such as streamlined or bluff bodies
- Appreciate the importance of boundary layers and compressibility for aerodynamic flows.
- Understand all aspects of aerospace propulsion including; supersonic aerodynamics, aero piston engines, gas turbine engines, ramjet and scramjet engines, rocket engines and propulsion integration
- Perform engine cycle analysis to determine engine performance
Skills outcomes
In addition to providing a firm foundation in the subject, this module develops the analytical and problem solving skills.
Syllabus
Semester 1 - Introduction to aerodynamics
- Hierarchy of equations for aerodynamic flows.
- Review of ideal flow dynamics -Continuity, Bernoulli's equation, Venturi flows.
- Characteristics of real flows - viscous, rotational, compressible, & unsteady flows.
- Review of viscous flows and the importance of boundary layers to aerodynamic flows.
- Understanding flow structures and the behaviour of flows around basic shapes: streamlined bodies, bluff bodies, steps, cavities.
- Basic physics of flight and the importance of lift, drag and pitching moments.
Semester 1 - Theoretical Aerodynamics
- Classical two-dimensional aerofoil theories - thin aerofoil theory; transonic small perturbation theory; modelling of solid bodies in a potential flow (panel methods); Circulation and the production of lift, Stream Function and Velocity Potential, Supposition of elementary flows, role of Laplace's equation, Kutta condition.
- Viscous coupled schemes - Boundary-Layer approximations, Von Karman Momentum Integral Equation, Boundary-Layer similarity
- Classical three-dimensional wing theory - Prandtl lifting line & vortex lattice theory; three-dimensional panel methods.
Semester 1 - Low speed aerodynamics
- Subsonic aerofoil design: nomenclature - effect of; camber, thickness, leading-edge radius, flow transition, separation, favourable and adverse pressure gradients and ideal pressure distributions.
- Using panel methods for aerofoil design.
- Design for high lift: multi-element aerofoils, vortex lift, ground effect.
- Origins & determination of drag.
- Subsonic wing design: effect of taper, aspect ratio, rotary wing aircraft.
- Non-aerospace applications; motorsport, wind energy. wind loading on structures
- Flow control
- Wind tunnel test techniques
Semester 1/2 - High speed aerodynamics
- Compressibility: shock waves, supersonic aerofoils
- Transonic aerofoil design: supercritical aerofoils, shock induced separation and buffet.
- Using panel methods for transonic aerofoil design
- Transonic and Supersonic wing design, Wing sweep, area ruling
Semester 2 – Introduction to Aerospace Propulsion systems
- Review of fundamental theories relevant to propulsion systems
- Ideal cycle analysis
Semester 2 – Gas turbine engines
- Real turbine cycles
- Exhaust systems
- Intakes and Combustors
- Compressors and Turbines
- Turbofans, Turboprops & Turboshafts
- Design considerations
Semester 2 – Piston engines
- Engine types and cycles
- Power generation
- Propeller thrust and design
Semester 2 – Ramjet & Scramjet engines
- Engine types and cycles
- Component design
Semester 2 – Rockets
- Engine types and performance parameters
- Propellants & component design
Semester 2 – Propulsion integration
- Engine placement
- Intake distortion and noise
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Class tests, exams and assessment | 1 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
Lecture | 44 | 1.00 | 44.00 |
Practical | 2 | 2.00 | 4.00 |
Private study hours | 150.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 50.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Private study
Students are to spend on average:- 0.5 hours preparation/revision for each lecture (22 hours total),
- approximately 40 hours of work for one piece of coursework (80 hours total),
- 48 hours for the exam preparation
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
A piece of formally assessed coursework will be set during each of the two semesters, and marks and feedback will be provided to monitor each student’s progress towards their target grade.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Computer Exercise | Aerofoil performance | 20.00 |
Practical | Small scale jet and turboprop engine laboratory and solve related questions | 20.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
.. | 2 hr | 60.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 07/02/2017
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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