Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2013-2014 (archived)

Module ENGI4231: AEROMECHANICS

Department: Engineering

ENGI4231: AEROMECHANICS

Type	Tied	Level	4	Credits	20	Availability	Available in 2013/14	Module Cap	None.	Location	Durham

Tied to	H420

Prerequisites

Level 3 MEng Mechanical Engineering route

Corequisites

As specified in programme regulations

Excluded Combination of Modules

As specified in programme regulations

Aims

This module is designed solely for students studying School of Engineering and Computing Sciences degree programmes.
The module will provide graduates with advanced knowledge and understanding of aircraft aerodynamics and aircraft structures.

Content

Potential flow.
Conformal transforms and Joukowski aerofoils.
Thin aerofoil theory.
Finite wing theory and induced drag.
Aircraft aerodynamics.
Steady flight.
Non-steady flight (take-off, landing, stability).
Introduction to aircraft structures.
Bending of unsymmetrical thin-walled open and closed sections.
General torsion theory.
Torsion in thin-walled closed sections.
Shear in thin-walled open and closed sections.
Thin plate theory including bending, deflection, and buckling.
Aircraft bonded joints.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

A fundamental understanding of the flow around aerofoils, including the concept of circulation.
An understanding of the mechanism for the creation of induced drag and decreased lift for finite wings through the formation of trailing vortices.
The student will be conversant with the effects of wing sweep, dihedral, twist and planform shape and will be familiar with standard aircraft control surfaces.
Students will have an understanding of the structural functionality of the components of an aircraft.
Students will have knowledge of the analysis of thin-walled structures, such as wings and fuselages, under different types of loading.

Subject-specific Skills:

Students will be able to perform key flight performance calculations.
Students will be able to perform fundamental aircraft structural design calculations.

Key Skills:

Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
Highly specialised numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

The courses in Aeromechanics and Aircraft Structures are covered in lectures, and are reinforced by problem sheets, leading to the required problem solving capability.
Students are able to make use of staff 'Tutorial Hours' to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign up sessions available for up to one hour per week per lecture course.
Written timed examinations are appropriate because of the wide range of analytical, in-depth material covered in this module and to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Aeromechanics Lectures	20	Typically 1 per week	1 Hour	20
Aircraft Structures Lectures	20	Typically 1 per week	1 Hour	20
Tutorial Hours	As required	Weekly sign-up sessions	Up to 1 Hour	8
Preparation and Reading				152
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Aeromechanics	2 hours	50%	No
Aircraft Structures	2 hours	50%	No

Formative Assessment:

None

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University