Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
ME40050 Special topics in aerodynamics |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX 100% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take ME30032 |
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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. |