Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7) |
| Period: |
Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| CW 20%, EX 80% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | ME50225 Re-assessment Only (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
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| Description:
| Aims: To introduce the basic mechanics of flight and the factors affecting the design of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. To provide a broad outline of the performance characteristics of aircraft and of aircraft engines. To introduce methods for the initial sizing of aircraft using principal design parameters. Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to: Apply analytical methods to predict the performance of fixed-wing aircraft in level, climbing and turning flight, and of rotary-wing aircraft in the hover and in axial and forward flight. Understand and apply fixed-wing aircraft specifications within the Airworthiness Regulations; calculate take-off and landing distances and understand the balance field length concept. Construct a constraints diagram for the critical flight phases for estimation of wing and engine requirements. Skills: Problem solving; numeracy; working independently. Content: Standard atmosphere and aircraft speed definitions; fixed-wing aircraft level flight, climb and field performance; use of a drag polar; range equations and turning flight. Performance characteristics of thrust and power producing engines. 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. Take-off and landing distance calculations, WAT limits and the balanced field length for fixed-wing aircraft. Payload-range diagrams and constraints diagrams for preliminary aircraft sizing; considerations for the design of fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft. Topics for self study that could be examined. |
| Programme availability: |
ME50225 is Compulsory on the following programmes:Department of Mechanical Engineering
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