The module draws upon the learning experiences of modules EG4012 and EG4013 and provides further learning for the potential aerospace engineer. The basics of aerodynamics and aerospace propulsion are introduced with a view to provide the ability to analyse, formulate and solve elementary problems. This is underpinned by covering the mathematics required for the BEng/MEng Aerospace Engineering course. The mathematics side of the module is taught in the context of the solution of engineering problems.
Two dimensional potential flows, production of aerodynamic forces, wind tunnel testing, compressible flows, shock waves and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are some of the topics covered on the aerodynamics part of the module. The propulsion side revisits and extends conservation of energy and the laws of thermodynamics. Gas turbines, heat transfer and combustion processes are some of the other areas that receive attention. Solutions of ordinary and partial differential equations, Eigen values and Eigen vectors are some of the topics considered in the analytical methods side of the module.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Aerodynamics
Propulsion
Mathematics
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of: formal lectures, tutorials, laboratory exercises, electronic learning tools and independent study. A breakdown of the 300 learning hours assigned to this module is given in the table below. Since the learning outcomes are all related to problem formulation and solution, the learning strategy relies heavily on solving practice problems individually and in groups.
The teaching team incorporates active learning in whole group lectures that involve problem-solving, flipped tutorial classes and formative quizzes. Students are encouraged to work in small groups for discussion, collaboration and resolving real world problem. This peer learning encourages student ownership of their learning. Teaching staff will act as a facilitator guiding the students throughout the sessions. Selected members of the groups will have to present and discuss their solutions in front of the class.
The Thermofluids/Aerodynamics laboratory is a key element of this module. It incorporates Learning-By-Doing that gives students the real-world, hands-on experience to perform laboratory testing. The experiments consider the aerodynamic characteristics of wings, pressure distribution on an aerofoil, heat exchanger performance and gas turbine engine operation.
A significant element of this module is independent guided learning and a rough breakdown of how this time will be spent is given in the table below. Students will be issued with structured problem sets including answers at the beginning of the module. They will also be issued with an indicative set of dates by which each should be completed. This is similar to the approach used for level 4 modules, but at level 5 students are expected to monitor their own progress and seek help as required. Personal tutors are available to advise students on finding support, but will not meet their tutees as frequently as in level 4.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Formal lectures (66hrs) Problem-solving/flipped classes (28 hrs) Laboratory (12hrs) | 106 |
| Guided independent study | Pre-reading and reviews of lectures (40hrs) Solving the problem sets (60hrs) Writing up lab reports (44hrs) Maths test revision (20hrs) Final exam revision (30hrs) | 194 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Summative assessment is through a portfolio of in-class Maths tests covering the analytical methods side of the module, a portfolio of lab reports covering aerodynamics and propulsion and a three-hour end-of-module examination covering aerodynamics and propulsion where a choice of 4 questions out of 6 will be available.
Formative assessment will be provided in the form of regular and concise feedback on set tasks throughout the academic year. These tasks made of formative tests (weekly questions related to the current topic covered), will be undertaken in class and will be of relatively short duration. They will provide the students with valuable and instant information on their rate and level of progress and of their strengths and weaknesses. Students can monitor their progress against expectations through the structured problem sets.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Analyse, formulate and solve elementary problems in aircraft aerodynamics | Written exam and portfolio of lab reports |
| 2) Analyse, formulate and solve elementary problems in aerospace propulsion | Written exam and portfolio of lab reports |
| 3) Apply techniques of differentiation and integration to engineering problems | Portfolio of in-class maths tests |
| 4) Solve first and second order ordinary differential equations | Portfolio of in-class maths tests |
| 5) Solve partial differential equations using various methods and techniques | Portfolio of in-class maths tests |
| 6) Use complex numbers, series expansions and matrices | Portfolio of in-class maths tests |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio of in-class maths tests (2 tests worth 10% each) | Written exam | 20% |
| Portfolio of lab reports (3 reports worth 10% for each) | Coursework | 30% |
| Three hour end of module examination | Written exam | 50% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Anderson J D, Fundamentals of Aerodynamics, McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2011, ISBN 0-07-100767-9
Singh K, Engineering Mathematics Through Applications, Palgrave/MacMillan, 2003, ISBN:0-333-92224-7
Eastop T D and Mc Conkey, Applied Thermodynamics For Engineering Technologists, Longman, ISBN 0-582-09193-4
Sherwin K, Introduction To Thermodynamics, Chapman & Hall, ISBN 0 412 47640 1
Houghton E L, Aerodynamics for Engineering Students, Edward Arnold, 2012, ISBN 9780080966328
Çengel Y A and Boles M A, Thermodynamics, an Engineering approach, McGraw Hill, 2011, ISBN 9780077366742
Other online resources will be provided during lecture time.