Aircraft Aerodynamics

After a short recap on inviscid flow the first part of the course deals with boundary layer theory. Topics addressed are: the laminar boundary layer, the transition process, the turbulent boundary layer, laminar and turbulent flow separation, the separation bubble, lift and drag. The second part of the course starts with general information on drag, useful for the aerodynamic design of aircraft. The course continues with the analysis and design of single and multi-component airfoils, illustrated by examples of CFD analyses and windtunnel experiments. Special topics like winglets, high lift systems, flow control and propeller propulsion for sustainable aircraft applications will be treated as well. Some aerodynamic analysis and design codes will be demonstrated during the course.

The assessment is done through 5 assignments that are performed on a personal basis. The assignments are to be combined in 1 report that should be delivered after the finalization of the lecture at the end of Q2. Additional information on the timing and contents of the assignments will be presented on BrightSpace.