The module as a whole draws upon the learning experiences of Modules ME4011 and ME4012 and provides further learning more specifically required 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.
The module is primarily delivered through lectures, laboratory experiments and tutorials. Additional support materials are available on Blackboard.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of formal lectures, tutorials, laboratory exercises, electronic learning tools and independent study.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 46 two-hour lectures 16 two-hour tutorials and laboratory work | 110 |
| Guided independent study | 190 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Summative assessment is through 2 in-course assignments worth 30% covering the analytical methods side of the module, 2 laboratory experiment reports worth 20% covering aerodynamics and propulsion and a three-hour end-of-module examination worth 50% 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.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Analyse, formulate and solve elementary problems in aircraft aerodynamics | End of year examination and laboratory report |
| 2) Analyse, formulate and solve elementary problems in aerospace propulsion | End of year examination and laboratory report |
| 3) Apply techniques of differentiation and integration to engineering problems | In-course assignment |
| 4) Solve first and second order ordinary differential equations | In-course assignment |
| 5) Solve partial differential equations using various methods and techniques | In-course assignment |
| 6) Use complex numbers, series expansions and matrices | In-course assignment |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| In-course assignment | Three-hour examination | 50 |
| Coursework | In-course assessments Laboratory reports | 50 |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Houghton E L, Aerodynamics for Engineering Students, Edward Arnold, 2012, ISBN 9780080966328
Anderson J D, Fundamentals of Aerodynamics, McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2011, ISBN 0-07-100767-9
Çengel Y A and Boles M A, Thermodynamics, an Engineering approach, McGraw Hill, 2011, ISBN 9780077366742
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
Other online resources will be provided during lecture time.