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2014/15 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
MECH3485 Aerodynamics with Computational Fluid Dynamics
20 creditsClass Size: 100
Module manager: Dr Jon L Summers
Email: j.l.summers@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2014/15
Pre-requisites
| MECH1215 | Thermofluids 1 |
| MECH2670 | Thermofluids 2 |
Module replaces
MECH 3480 AerodynamicsThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
On completion of this module, students should be able to develop an understanding of the fundamentals of aerodynamics, in particular from a theoretical perspective.Students will gain skills in problem solving in the area of potential (ideal) flow theory, wing theory and computational fluid dynamic approaches to advection and diffusion based flows.
Students will appreciate the importance of boundary layers and turbulence in the context of aerodynamic flows.
Skills outcomes
In addition to providing a firm foundation in the subject, this module develops the analytical and problem solving skills.
Syllabus
- Introduction to aerodynamics
Basic physics of flight and the importance of lift, drag and pitching moments. Basic equations for aerodynamic flows. Review of the concepts of advection, diffusion, incompressibility, streamfunction, frames of reference, steady flows, transient flows and turbulence. Competition between advection and diffusion for aerodynamic flows and for computational modelling of fluid mechanics.
- Advective flows and potential flow theory
Review of Euler's and Bernoulli's equation. Vorticity, circulation and the production of lift. Irrotational flows and the Kutta-Joukowski Law. Modelling of solid bodies in a potential flow; solutions for two-dimensional shapes; Biot-Savart Law. Classical two-dimensional aerofoil theories; thin aerofoil theory; panel methods for numerical simulation of irrotational flow past NACA aerofoils.
- Three-dimensional aerodynamic flows
Classical three-dimensional wing theory; lifting-line; lifting surface theory. Concepts of three-dimensional panel methods.
- Computational methods for diffusion problems
Fick's law and diffusion based flows, Laplaces equation. Introduction to finite difference and finite volume. Solution of discretised equations. The importance of boundary conditions.
- Computational methods for advection-diffusion problems
Properties of discretisation schemes. Central differencing, upwinding and the nature of numerical errors. Introduction of vorticity and the vorticity transport equation. Introduction to unsteady flows and initial conditions.
- Viscous flows and boundary layers
Review of viscous flows and boundary layers. Boundary layer equation and the importance to aerodynamic flows. Boundary layer control. Boundary layer separation. CFD approach to boundary layers. Momentum integral approach. Aerodynamic drag and turbulent boundary layers.
- Turbulent boundary layers and turbulence modelling
Eddy viscosity. Prandtl's mixing length model. Turbulent wall flows. Modelling turbulence via one and two equation models. Introduction to advanced turbulence modelling.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Class tests, exams and assessment | 1 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Lecture | 66 | 1.00 | 66.00 |
| Private study hours | 132.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 68.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
In addition to the general private study, the student learning will comprise solving un-assessed problem sets, preparation for the examination and preparation for the computational assignment through the course.Students are to spend:
- 30 minutes preparing for each lecture: 32 hours
- 80 hours preparing for the assignment
- 20 hours preparing for the final exam.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
The student will obtain formative feedback on the major assignment.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Computer Exercise | . | 40.00 |
| 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 |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 00 mins | 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: 16/04/2015
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
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- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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