Aerodynamics and Ground Vehicle Dynamics

Learning Outcomes

• Washington Accord (V4) Summary of Graduate Attributes attained in this course:
   WA1 – Engineering Knowledge
   WA2 – Problem Analysis
   WA3 – Design/Development of Solutions
   WA4 – Investigation
   WA5 – Tool Usage
   WA8 – Individual and Collaborative Teamwork
   WA9 – Communication
  
  
• Course topics with Learning Outcomes (and Washington Accord (WA) and UC Graduate Attributes) identified.
  
  1. Forces and moments on aerodynamic surfaces
          1.1. Solid grasp of the fluid dynamics underlying aerodynamics and methods for computing the pressure distributions and total lift, drag and moments (WA1, WA2)
  1.2. Able to find and manipulate empirical data to estimate drag and lift on simple bodies (WA2, WA3)
          1.3. Knowledge of the relationship between flying vehicle configuration, control surface layout and stability (WA2)
  2. Fixed-wing aircraft: performance, and stability and control
          2.1. Ability to choose an appropriate airfoil for a specific application (WA3) (EIE3)
          2.2. Ability to design a body enclosing a given envelope for low aerodynamic drag (WA3, WA4) (EIE3)
          2.3. Ability to design and construct simple lightweight hand-launched gliders (WA3, WA4)
          2.4. Designing and constructing optimal systems with limited resources (WA3, WA4) (EIE3)
          2.5. Ability to estimate thrust, power, range, endurance and speed in flight (WA4, WA5) (EIE4)
  3. Compressible flow and propulsion
          3.1. Ability to calculate basic parameters in adiabatic duct flow relevant to propulsion nozzles, and properties upstream and downstream of normal shock waves (WA4, WA5) (EIE4)
  4. Fixed-wing transonic and supersonic flight
          4.1. Knowledge of the basic design characteristics of fixed-wing craft flying at Mach numbers greater than 0.3 (WA2)
  5. Ground vehicle (GV) dynamics
          5.1. Knowledge of the fundamental forces governing GV performance in acceleration, braking and cornering, their relationship to load distribution and tyre properties (WA2)
  6. Laboratories / Practical exercises
          6.1. Wind tunnel operation.
          6.2. Construction and optimization of simple hand-launched gliders, guided by calculation and experience with prototypes (WA2, WA3, WA9, WA10) (EIE3)
          6.3. Communicating complex concepts to peers both in written and oral form (WA10) (EIE2)

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:

Employable, innovative and enterprising Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.

Prerequisites

Restrictions

For further information see Mechanical Engineering .