Undergraduate - UnitMAE4409 - Wing design

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

The unit covers a more advanced study of the aerodynamics of aircraft wings and aerofoil sections than introduced in previous units. Topics are covered in sufficient depth that students will understand the essential aerodynamic principles applied to aircraft wing design. The notable features of wing and airfoil aerodynamics are outlined, including transition and the analysis of viscous flows. Methods for the analysis and prediction of airfoil and finite wing aerodynamics are covered, together with an introduction to procedures for quantitative design.

Outcomes

1. Apply a coupled viscous-inviscid solution program to analyse viscous flow past an airfoil, deciding appropriate parameters to model transition, and assess the likely validity of the solution.
2. Describe procedures used for wind tunnel testing of a prototype wing section, including operation of instrumentation and correction for tunnel effects.
3. Apply computational methods for finite wings to establish spanwise loading for different combinations of airfoil shape, planform, and twist.
4. Understand the basic principles and restrictions of the different numerical methods applied in wing design.

Assessment

Design projects: 30%
Final examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Chris Davies

Contact hours

3 hours lectures, 2 hours practice sessions or laboratories and 7 hours of private study per week

Prerequisites

Completion of 132 points of engineering units including MAE3401, MAE3402 and MAE3403