Applied Aerodynamics - Airfoils and Wings from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

In-depth knowledge on aerodynamcs topics, supported by the coding of your own airfoil and wing analyzer
How to evaluate the characteristics of arifoils
Matlab coding applied to aerodynamics analysis
Design, simulate and optimize your own airfoil and wing designs

Vortex panel methods
Weissinger method
Estimate the stall angle of your wing designs
Vortex lattice method

In-depth knowledge on aerodynamcs topics, supported by the coding of your own airfoil and wing analyzer
How to evaluate the characteristics of arifoils
Matlab coding applied to aerodynamics analysis
Design, simulate and optimize your own airfoil and wing designs
Vortex panel methods
Weissinger method
Estimate the stall angle of your wing designs
Vortex lattice method

Syllabus

Model and analyze your own airfoils

Hello and welcome. Let's get to know each other and take a look what we will learn in this course.

References for further studies:

Fundamentals of Aerodynamics - John D. Anderson Jr.

Aerodynamics for Engineers - John J. Bertin

Foundations of Aerodynamics: Bases of Aerodynamic Design - Kuethe and Chow

The Matlab version used in this course is 2020a. But if you follow the step by step instructions you can use any version after 2012a.

We'll learn how to simplify the famous and difficult Navier-Stokes equations to more simple maths in order to allow a fast approach in analyzing airfoils.

Irrotationality of the velocity potential

There are several elementary flows (source, sink, uniform, vortex, etc). In this section will learn how to derive and work with the uniform and vortex flow. Those are the ones that will be used in the future Vortex Panel Method we'll derive.

In part 1 of the airfoil theory, the goal is to introduce the geometric characterisitcs and explain the physiscs behind lift generation.

We'll also introduce the pressure coefficient concepts to pave the way to the airfoil analysis to be done on part 2.

This part 2 will focus on the viscous theory and in the analysis of several design characteristics of airfoils.

- NACA airfoils characteristics

- Camber

- Thickness

- Leading edge radius

- Flap deflection

We will work on the theoretical derivation of the linear varying Vortex Panel Method. A lot of maths in this section, but it will greatly help our coding in the next lesson.

The main sources for this section derivations are:

1- Foundations of Aerodynamics: Bases of Aerodynamic Design - Arnold M. Kuethe / Chuen-yen Chow - 4th Ed - section 5.10

2- Fundamentals of Aerodynamics - John D. Anderson - 3rd Ed - section 1.5

After the paved theoretical background from last lesson, let's get into Matlab and code our Panel Method for airfoil analysis.
The first part is dedicated to the airfoils' drawing. We'll cover NACA 4 and 5 digit airfoils as well as general shapes that can be loaded via an Excel spreadsheet.

The second part is dedicated to defining and checking the panel geometry as defined in out theoretical lesson.

The third part is dedicated to calculating the linear coefficients from the A matrix and solve for zero normal velocities at the panels to determine the circulation and therefore, the lift, drag and moment coefficients.

The last part is just to help the flow visualization by computing the streamlines around the airfoil.

Derivation of the general flow integral outside the airfoil

Checking the results

Exam 1

If you have a MATLAB version newer then 2016, you can open the live script (.mlx), otherwise, use the normal script (.m) VPM_lin

Model and analyze your own wings

Wing Theory

This lesson focus on the derivation of the Weissinger Method ofr the commputation of general planform wings. The references used are:

BERTIN, J. J.; CUMMINGS, R. M. Aerodynamics for engineers. 5. Ed. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009.

PHILLIPS, W. F.; SNYDER, D. O. Modern adaptation of prandtl's classic lifting-line theory. Journal Of Aircraft. v.37, p. 662-670. Jul. 2000.

After the paved theoretical background from last lesson, let's get into Matlab and code our Weissinger Method for wing analysis.

Weissinger Method Coding - Part 2: Lift Calculation

Weissinger Method Coding - Part 3: Drag Calculation

Let's use our code to analyze several design characteristics of wings.

- Aspect Ratio

- Taper Ratio

- Sweep angle

- Geometric twist

- Aerodynamic Twist

Aspect ratio effect on CL x Alpha curve

Wing Design - Linear Characteristics

This section aims in constructing a numerical optimizer for the wing geometry (Aspect Ratio, taper, twist and sweep) in order to minimize drag and other constraints.

If you have a MATLAB version newer then 2016, you can open the live script (.mlx), otherwise, use the normal script (.m) WEISSINGER_MAIN

Let's get more realistic and analyse non-linear effects such as flow separation and stall.

In this lesson we'll learn how to use a potential method to compute viscous flows of wings.

The refetence used in the decambering method is:

Mukherjee, Rinku & Gopalarathnam, Ashok & Kim, Sung. (2003). An Iterative Decambering Approach for Post-Stall Prediction of Wing Characteristics from Known Section Data. 10.2514/6.2003-1097.

Modifying the Weissinger Code and Analysing the Results

Optimize wing planform to maximize CLmax

Final Exam

COURSE REFERENCES

References for further studies:

Fundamentals of Aerodynamics - John D. Anderson Jr.

Aerodynamics for Engineers - John J. Bertin

Foundations of Aerodynamics: Bases of Aerodynamic Design - Kuethe and Chow

PHILLIPS, W. F.; SNYDER, D. O. Modern adaptation of prandtl's classic lifting-line theory. Journal Of Aircraft. v.37, p. 662-670. Jul. 2000.

Mukherjee, Rinku & Gopalarathnam, Ashok & Kim, Sung. (2003). An Iterative Decambering Approach for Post-Stall Prediction of Wing Characteristics from Known Section Data. 10.2514/6.2003-1097.

The Matlab version used in this course is 2020a. But if you follow the step by step instructions you can use any version after 2012a.

Bonus Section

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers the fundamentals of aerodynamics and builds a solid foundation for further study in the field

Takes a practical approach by guiding learners through coding their own airfoil and wing analyzers, providing hands-on experience

Provides a comprehensive understanding of key design characteristics and their impact on airfoil and wing performance, equipping learners with valuable knowledge for practical applications

Utilizes multiple teaching methods, including theoretical explanations, coding exercises, and real-world examples, to enhance learning

Covers advanced topics such as vortex lattice methods and viscous effects, catering to learners seeking deeper knowledge in aerodynamics

Requires proficiency in MATLAB, which may limit accessibility for learners without prior coding experience

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Applied Aerodynamics - Airfoils and Wings with these activities:

Read Fundamentals of Aerodynamics

Show steps

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of aerodynamics and will help you understand the concepts covered in this course.

View Fundamentals of Aerodynamics on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters on the basics of fluid mechanics.
Read the chapters on the aerodynamics of airfoils and wings.

Review Calculus

Show steps

This course requires a solid foundation in calculus to fully understand and apply the Navier-Stokes equations.

Browse courses on Calculus

Show steps

Review the basics of differential and integral calculus.
Practice solving calculus problems.

Watch Aerodynamics Tutorials

Show steps

Watching aerodynamics tutorials will help you supplement the material covered in this course and gain a deeper understanding of the concepts.

Show steps

Find aerodynamics tutorials online or on YouTube.
Watch the tutorials and take notes.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Solve Aerodynamics Problems

Show steps

Solving aerodynamics problems will help you apply the concepts you learn in this course and improve your problem-solving skills.

Show steps

Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Solve the problems using the concepts you learn in this course.

Volunteer at an Aerospace Museum

Show steps

Volunteering at an aerospace museum will help you learn about the history of aviation and see real-world applications of aerodynamics.

Show steps

Find an aerospace museum in your area.
Contact the museum and inquire about volunteer opportunities.

Build an Airfoil Model

Show steps

Building an airfoil model will help you visualize the concepts you learn in this course and gain a deeper understanding of how airfoils work.

Show steps

Design the airfoil using the concepts you learn in this course.
Build the airfoil model using materials such as foam or cardboard.
Test the airfoil model in a wind tunnel or using CFD software.

Find a Mentor in the Aerospace Industry

Show steps

Finding a mentor in the aerospace industry will help you learn about the field and gain insights into career opportunities.

Show steps

Attend industry events and meet professionals in the aerospace field.
Reach out to professors or alumni in your field.

Design an Airplane Wing

Show steps

Designing an airplane wing will help you apply the concepts you learn in this course and gain a deeper understanding of how wings work.

Show steps

Research different types of airplane wings.
Design the wing using the concepts you learn in this course.
Build a model of the wing and test it in a wind tunnel or using CFD software.

Career center

Learners who complete Applied Aerodynamics - Airfoils and Wings will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Flight Test Engineer

Flight test engineers conduct tests on aircraft and other vehicles to ensure that they meet safety and performance requirements. They need to have a good understanding of aerodynamics, as well as other engineering disciplines. This course can help flight test engineers build a solid foundation in aerodynamics, which will enable them to be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Flight Test Engineer

Aerodynamicist

Aerodynamicists design, analyze, and modify aircraft and other vehicles. They need a deep understanding of how air interacts with objects, which is the core focus of this course. The mathematical principles taught in this course can help an aerodynamicist build a solid foundation in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerodynamicist

Computational Fluid Dynamics Engineer

Computational fluid dynamics engineers use computer simulations to analyze the flow of air and other fluids. They use their knowledge of aerodynamics and fluid dynamics to design and optimize aircraft, vehicles, and other products. This course can provide computational fluid dynamics engineers with a strong foundation in aerodynamics, which is essential for success in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Fluid Dynamics Engineer

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers are responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles that fly. They use their knowledge of aerodynamics, structural mechanics, and other engineering disciplines to ensure that these vehicles are safe and efficient. This course can provide aerospace engineers with a strong foundation in aerodynamics, which is essential for success in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer

Aircraft Structural Engineer

Aircraft structural engineers design and analyze the structural components of aircraft. They need to have a good understanding of aerodynamics, as well as other engineering disciplines. This course can help aircraft structural engineers build a solid foundation in aerodynamics, which will enable them to be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aircraft Structural Engineer

Avionics Engineer

Avionics engineers design, develop, and test electronic systems for aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles. They need to have a good understanding of aerodynamics, as well as other engineering disciplines. This course can help avionics engineers build a solid foundation in aerodynamics, which will enable them to be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Avionics Engineer

Propulsion Engineer

Propulsion engineers design and develop the engines that power aircraft and other vehicles. They need to have a good understanding of aerodynamics, as well as other engineering disciplines. This course can help propulsion engineers build a solid foundation in aerodynamics, which will enable them to be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Propulsion Engineer

Flight Controller

Flight controllers are responsible for monitoring and controlling the flight of aircraft and other vehicles. They need to have a good understanding of aerodynamics, as well as other engineering disciplines. This course can help flight controllers build a solid foundation in aerodynamics, which will enable them to be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Flight Controller

Mission Specialist

Mission specialists are responsible for the operation and maintenance of spacecraft and other vehicles during space missions. They need to have a good understanding of aerodynamics, as well as other engineering disciplines. This course can help mission specialists build a solid foundation in aerodynamics, which will enable them to be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mission Specialist

Systems Engineer

Systems engineers are responsible for integrating the various subsystems of an aircraft or other vehicle into a single, functioning system. They need to have a good understanding of aerodynamics, as well as other engineering disciplines. This course can help systems engineers build a solid foundation in aerodynamics, which will enable them to be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Pilot

Pilots fly aircraft and other vehicles. They need to have a good understanding of aerodynamics, as well as other engineering disciplines. This course can help pilots build a solid foundation in aerodynamics, which will enable them to be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pilot

Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controllers are responsible for managing the flow of air traffic in and out of airports. They need to have a good understanding of aerodynamics, as well as other engineering disciplines. This course can help air traffic controllers build a solid foundation in aerodynamics, which will enable them to be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Air Traffic Controller

Meteorologist

Meteorologists study the atmosphere and its effects on the weather. They use their knowledge to forecast the weather and to warn people about severe weather events. This course can help meteorologists build a solid foundation in aerodynamics, which will enable them to be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Meteorologist

Science Writer

Science writers write about science and technology for a variety of audiences. This course can help science writers build a solid foundation in aerodynamics, which will enable them to write more accurately and informatively about this complex topic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Teacher

Teachers teach students about a variety of subjects, including science, math, and engineering. This course can help teachers build a solid foundation in aerodynamics, which will enable them to be more effective in teaching their students about this important topic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher