This module is designed for students from a range of aerospace related programmes. It provides an understanding of how the principles of aerodynamics, propulsion, structures and materials science all determine the configuration and performance of fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
To equip students with the knowledge base essential for the systematic application of important principles of aerodynamics, propulsion, structures and materials science to fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of: formal lectures, tutorials, and independent study. This module covers a broad range of topics and formal lectures will be used to introduce these topics, explain the depth of understanding required and to highlight the relationships between the topics. Various analysis methods will be explained in the lectures but student understanding will be consolidated in tutorials and through independent learning. A flipped classroom approach will be used for the less analytical elements of the module. Students will be expected to complete guided reading before attending the sessions and take part in small group and whole group discussion.
Formative assessment consisting of sample problems presented in structured problem sets will assist students in determining their depth of understanding. Answers to the problem sets will be provided to allow students to monitor their progress. An indicative set of milestones will be issued in the module guide to enable students to monitor their progress.
Tutorials will be used to provide support to student independent learning. Students will be encourage to form small groups to discuss problems and to present their solutions to the rest of the class. This will ensure that all students will be able to achieve the module learning outcomes since these are directly related to problem solving.
A substantial element of the learning time for this module is independent guided learning. An indicative breakdown of how this is expected to be used is given the table below.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Formal interactive lectures Tutorials | 88 20 (2 hours every other week) |
| Guided independent study | Pre reading for lectures (40 hrs) Review of lectures (28 hrs) Structured problem sets (50 hrs) Test preparation (10 hrs) Individual report (30 hrs) Exam revision (34 hrs) | 192 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Summative assessment is through one coursework assignment, one in class test and an end-of-module examination. The summative coursework assignment will be an investigation into the choice of materials for a particular structural application. The in class test will consist of short analytical questions. The final examination will be three hours long and will consist of short analytical questions, and some longer questions. Students will be expected to complete all the short analytical questions but will have choice on the essay questions. Students will be provided with a standard formula sheet to support them in the examination.
Formative assessment will be provided through the structured problem sets which will enable students to gauge their level of understanding.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1. Assess the performance of a range of aircraft propulsion systems | Test |
| 2. Estimate the performance of fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft | Examination |
| 3. Determine optimal performance conditions for fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft | Examination |
| 4. Analyse idealisations of typical aircraft structures. | Examination |
| 5. Evaluate the suitability of materials for aircraft applications. | Coursework, examination |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Coursework | 30% |
| In class test | Written exam | 20% |
| 3 hour examination | Written exam | 50% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module
McCormick BW, Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics, John Wiley and Sons 1995 ISBN 0-47-11087-6.
Anderson, J.D. Fundamentals of Aerodynamics, McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-07-100767-9.
Megson T.H.G. Aircraft Structures for Engineering Students, Arnold 1999, ISBN 0340705884
Mangonon P. L. Materials Selection for Engineering Design, Prentice Hall 1999, ISBN 0132425955