Aerodynamics

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Understanding of aerofoil performance across subsonic, transonic, and supersonic regimes.
• Knowledge of a common numerical method used to solve the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations
• Knowledge and understanding of inviscid compressible high-speed flows.

Partial CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• The assessed coursework exercise requires an individual technical report that demonstrates the ability to communicate complex aerodynamic aerofoil design.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Set up, execute, and post-process fluid dynamics calculations using a commercial CFD code (e.g., applying k−ω models).
• Use CFD to identify Critical Mach numbers and evaluate the aerodynamic benefits of 3D features like wing sweep.
• Apply Oblique Shock and Expansion-wave theory to design supersonic profiles (e.g., diamond aerofoils) and compare analytical results with CFD data.
• Apply the Prandtl-Glauert transformation for subsonic design corrections up to approximately 0.7 Mach.

Full CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• The coursework assesses the student's ability to formulate and analyze complex aerodynamic problems (e.g., the transition from subsonic to supersonic wing sections) to reach substantiated conclusions. The approach involves evaluating the accuracy of chosen numerical techniques—specifically RANS CFD with k−ω models—and critically discussing their limitations in capturing high-speed phenomena such as shock-boundary layer interaction and flow separation.
• The summative coursework involves the iterative design of aerofoil profiles across subsonic, transonic, and supersonic regimes. Students must demonstrate competence in selecting and configuring appropriate CFD solvers (RANS), performing mesh sensitivity studies to ensure numerical integrity, and providing a critical discussion on the limitations of the technique, specifically regarding turbulence closure models.
• The module enables students to select and apply appropriate engineering tools by recognizing their specific limitations. This is achieved through a design workflow that transitions from linearized analytical theories (e.g., Prandtl-Glauert and Shock-Expansion theory) to high-fidelity RANS CFD. Students develop an understanding of the appropriate fidelity required for different stages of the design cycle, specifically evaluating the validity of compressibility corrections against numerical results as Mach number increases toward the transonic regime.
• The final examination and coursework exercises assess the application of fundamental engineering principles to solve complex aerodynamic problems. This includes the analysis of shock waves and expansion fans using both analytical theories and numerical solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations. Students are assessed on their ability to move from basic flat-plate theory to the design of high-speed aerofoil sections, accounting for compressibility effects and transonic flow phenomena.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Study and learn independently to solve non-linear engineering problems and communicate technical findings, methodology, and mesh-sensitivity analyses through professional, evidence-based technical reports.
• Plan and execute an aerodynamic design workflow that effectively combines low-fidelity analytical methods (e.g., Prandtl-Glauert or Shock-Expansion theory) with high-fidelity numerical simulations (CFD) to validate performance across subsonic and supersonic regimes.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.