Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2010/11 |
ME40050: Special topics in aerodynamics |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters |
| Period: | This unit is available in... |
| Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| EX 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take ME30032 |
| Description:
| Aims: To introduce the basic concepts of helicopter flight and the fundamentals of rotor aerodynamics. To introduce the elements of acoustics relevant to aircraft noise. To introduce the fundamental elements of space flight. Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to: * Discuss flow through a rotor and hence design considerations for a single main rotor helicopter. * Apply analytical methods to predict the performance of a rotor. * Derive the wave equation and elementary solutions. * Calculate the noise radiated by simple aerodynamic sources. * Characterise the noise from rotating sources * Develop a scaling law for jet noise. * Describe different types of satellite and their applications; derive the basic equations of orbital motion; calculate velocity changes for typical transfer orbits; perform basic rocket performance calculations. Skills: Problem solving; numeracy; working independently. Content: Introduction to rotor aerodynamics. Actuator disc and blade element theories. Thrust and power predictions of a rotor in hover, vertical and forward flight; performance of a single main rotor helicopter; recent advances and challenges in helicopter designs; the wave equation; acoustic source mechanisms; sound from solid bodies; sound from rotating sources; jet noise; satellite applications, orbital mechanics; orbital transfers; basic rocketry. Topics for self study that could be examined. |