AME 20211: Introduction to Aeronautics

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CATALOG DATA:
An introduction to the fundamental concepts in fluid mechanics, the science of flight, and the atmosphere and airplane aerodynamics. Applications of the principles of mechanics to aircraft flight performance, stability, control and design.

Prerequisites: MATH 10260 and PHYS 10310

TEXTBOOKS:
Anderson, J., Introduction to Flight, McGraw-Hill Book Company, Fifth Edition, 2005.
Tennekes, Henk, The Simple Science of Flight, The MIT Press, 1996.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
This course is designed to:
1) have the studnets think through the formulation of a problem in aerodynamics or fluid mechanics by asking the appropriate quesitons
2) apply basic principles to solve the problem and communicate the solution in a clear and logical fashion
3) defend the solution as physically realistic

TOPICS COVERED:
a). Aerodynamics Regimes and Applications
b). Science of Flight
c). Fundamental Concepts of Fluid Mechanics
d). Characteristics of the Earth's Atmosphere
e). Basic Equations of Fluid Mechanics
f). Thin Airfoil Theory
g). Fluid Dynamic Lift
h). Drag and Skin Friction
i). Aerodynamic Characteristics of Airfoils
j). Finite Wings
k). Airplane Performance
l). Introduction to Stability and Control
m). Glider Design and Performance Analysis

Schedule:
This course meets 3 times a week for 50 minutes each meeting or twice a week for 75 minutes.

Contribution to Professional Component :
This course represents a balance between engineering science and design. Approximately 67% of the course is engineering science
and 33% engineering design. Examples are provide throughout that illustrate economic and safety considerations associated
with atmospheric flight vehicles.

Contribution to Program Learning Outcomes and Assessment:
The course uses lectures, homework and a project to enable the students to be able to:
a). demonstrate basic knowledge of aerodynamics, propulsion and flight mechanics:

*be able to apply the hydrostatic equation and the conservation of mass, and mementum, and engergy equations to solve engineering
problems.
*analyze the relationship between pressure and velocity
*be able to determine velocity from manometer and/or other pressure measuremtns in wind tunnel or free flight situations
*describehow lift is generated on an airfoil and its relationship to ciculation and the pressure coefficient on an airfoil
*analyze viscous flows and determine their effects on lift and drag
*be able to determin the effects of angle of attack. Mach number and Reynolds number on airfoil life, drag and moment coefficients
*describe all the contributions to airfoil drag and the additional influences on drag and lift for a finite wing
*analyze those factors which influence the performance of an aircraft in level, climbing and gliding flight and which affect range and endurance.

b). program computer and use computer generated information:

*design a low speed wind tunnel for a given experiment
*solve homework problems and projects that require the development of computer codes using software such as Matlab(e.g. integration of airfoil pressure distributions to obtain lift coefficients and performance analysis of aircraft)
*apply computer solutions to the glider design and performance analysis project

In order to assess the student's progress towards achieving the Learning Outcomes, a number of homework problems are assigned, graded and handed back to the students. A low speed wind tunnel design is performed in groups to demonstrate the theory presented in class. Each group submits a report for each experiment and these reports are graded, returned and discussed in class. Each student group builds a small hand launched glider. Experiments are conducted so that the theory can be compared with acutal flight test experience. A report is required of each group.

Prepared by: Prof. Thomas J. Mueller May 20, 2004

Direct comments, questions, and corrections to amedept@nd.edu