Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module ENGI4231: AEROMECHANICS

Department: Engineering

ENGI4231: AEROMECHANICS

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2014/15 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