2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MECH5740M Rotary Wing Aircraft

15 creditsClass Size: 75

Module manager: Dr Andrew Shires
Email: A.Shires@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

UG fluid mechanics, and be familiar with concepts; streamlines and streamtubes, the boundary-layer, Bernoulli’s theorum, conservation laws.

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

In this module you will develop an understanding of the theory of vertical flight, design and analysis of helicopters, autogyros and other rotary wing aircraft and wind turbines, and gain an appreciation of the extra difficulties involved when the vehicle flow is cyclic in nature.

Objectives

On successful completion of the module students will;
• Identify the different Rotorcraft configurations and layouts;
• Estimate the performance of rotorcraft in;
o Hover;
o Vertical climb/descent;
o Forward Flight;
• Determine the stability characteristics of a helicopter;
• Perform a preliminary design of a rotor, giving consideration to the multi-disciplinary nature of its design;

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

After successfully completing this course, student will be able to:
1. identify the different Rotorcraft configurations and layouts
2. estimate the performance of rotorcraft in hover, vertical or forward flight
3. estimate the performance of a wind turbine..
4. determine the equations of motion of the rotor blades
5. perform a preliminary design of a rotor including determining the loads on the rotor hub
6. give consideration to the multi-disciplinary nature of the design

Upon successful completion of this module the following Engineering Council Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP) learning outcome descriptors (fourth edition) are satisfied:
7. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering. (M1)
8. Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. (M2)
9. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. (M3)

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:

a. Problem solving & analytical skills,
b. Critical thinking

Syllabus

Rotorcraft characteristics
• Introduction to rotary wing aircraft configurations and layout
Aerodynamics of hovering flight
• Wake structures
• Momentum & Blade Element theories
• Relationships between thrust, RPM & pitch
• Performance parameters & charts
• Factors affecting hover performance
Vertical flight performance
• Rotor flow states during ascent & descent
• Vertical autorotation
Forward flight performance
• Rotor blade aerodynamics in steady forward flight

Methods of Assessment

We are currently refreshing our modules to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full assessment details for this module are not available before the start of the academic year, at which time details of the assessment(s) will be provided.

Assessment for this module will consist of;

1 x Coursework
1 x In-person closed book exam

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	22	1.00	22.00
Independent online learning hours			11.00
Private study hours			117.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Week 3 formative test with exam style question and feedback given. Also several examples classes with full solutions provided in a handbook and Gradescope quiz.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/04/2024

Disclaimer

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