This module extends the analysis of aerodynamic and propulsive systems with a view to provide the ability to design and evaluate aerodynamic loadings on aerospace vehicles as well as their propulsion systems. It also extends your knowledge and skill base on solving aerospace engineering problems with advanced analytical approaches, namely computational fluid dynamics with a view to equip you with up-to-date flow and structure analysis techniques.
Subsonic, supersonic, compressible, incompressible, boundary layer, inviscid and viscous flows are all considered in high-speed and low-speed aerodynamics. On the propulsion side, the topics considered are air breathing cycles, axial flow turbo-machines, and combustion systems. The computational fluid dynamics part includes basic concept and solution procedure for problems such as flow over airfoil and wing by using commercial package suit ANSYS as a major tool.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Aerodynamics
Propulsion
CFD technologies
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of formal lectures, tutorials, seminars, computing laboratory exercises, electronic learning tools and independent study. 300 hours of learning time is allocated to this module of which 96 hours are scheduled contact time and 204 hours are guided independent learning. A breakdown of the scheduled learning time and a rough guide to the breakdown of the independent guided learning hours is given in the table below. The problem solving sessions are used to support students in applying their theoretical knowledge to practical problems and ensure they achieve the first three learning outcomes and the large number of supported hours in the CFD workshop ensures that students achieve the remaining learning outcomes.
Formal lectures are used to introduce topics, outline the theoretical background and contextualize the recommended reading. The teaching team incorporates active learning in formal lectures through problem-solving and discussion. The problem solving tutorials are run using a flipped classroom approach. Students are encouraged to work in small groups for discussion, collaboration and preparing model solutions to present to the class. Selected members of the groups will have to present and discuss their solutions in front of the class. This encourages peer learning and ensures students have ownership of their own learning. Teaching staff will act as a facilitator guiding the students throughout the sessions.
The computing workshops are a key element of this module. They incorporate Learning-By-Doing that give students the real-world, hands-on experience to perform CFD simulation on real world aerodynamic problems by applying the advanced commercial CFD software package ANSYS. The acquired techniques and skills will help students to deliver their final year project successfully and boost their employability. The computing workshops are delivered in Teaching Block 1 to ensure that the required skills to complete a CFD based project are developed at the appropriate time.
Another key element of the guided learning hours is solving the structured problem sets. The structured problem sets including answers will be available from the beginning of the module. Students will be issued with an indicative set of dates by which each set should be completed. This is similar to the approach used for level 4 and level 5 modules, but level 6 students are expected to have acquired the ability to monitor their own progress and seek help as required from their peers, recommended reading and the teaching team.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Formal interactive lectures (32 hrs) Problem-solving classes (20 hrs) Computing workshops: (44 hrs) | 96 |
| Guided independent study | Pre-reading and reviews of lectures (34 hrs) Solving the problem sets (40hrs) Practicing ANSYS CFD software (80 hrs) Completing CFD assignments (30 hrs) Exam revisions (20 hrs) | 204 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Summative assessment is through 2 coursework assignments on CFD - worth 15% for the first and 35% for the second and a three-hour end-of-module examination worth 50% offering a choice of 4 questions out of six. Feedback from the first assessment will be provided in time to ensure that students can respond to the feedback in their second assignment. One of the learning outcomes of the module is to be able to work with complex ideas and justify judgements made through effective use of evidence. Since the CFD section is in TB1 and the second assignment is early in TB2, feedback on this outcome can be used formatively for the final year individual and group projects.
Formative assessment will be provided through the flipped problem solving classes where groups of students work on problems and present them to the rest of the class for discussion. It will also be provided through the structured problem sets where students can gauge their level of understanding of the topics.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Analyse, formulate and solve advanced problems in subsonic and supersonic aircraft aerodynamics | Written exam |
| 2) Analyse, formulate and solve advanced problems in aerospace propulsion | Written exam |
| 3) Develop mathematical model for aerospace engineering problems via ‘formulation-analysis-interpretation-assessment' cycle approach | Coursework assignment |
| 4) Understand the principles of computational fluid dynamics and basic numerical techniques of solving partial differential equations | Coursework assignment |
| 5) Use CFD software to model and solve engineering flow problem related to aerospace such as aerodynamics, propulsion, heat transfer | Coursework assignment |
| 6) Work with complex ideas and justify judgements made through effective use of evidence | Coursework assignment |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| End of module exam | Written exam | 50% |
| CFD coursework 1 | Coursework | 15% |
| CFD coursework 2 | Coursework | 35% |
| 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.
Savaranamuttoo H I H, Gas Turbine Theory, Longmans Scientific & Technical, Latest Edition, ISBN 013015847X
Anderson J D, Computational Fluid Dynamics, McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-07-001685-2
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
Eastop T D and Mc Conkey, Applied Thermodynamics For Engineering Technologists, Latest Edition, Longman, ISBN 0-582-09193-4
Versteeg HK and Malalasekera W, Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics, The finite volume method, Pearson Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-582-21884-5
Other online resources will be provided during lecture time.