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Eliott Wertheimer

One of the only comprehensive, detailed and approachable online courses taking you through the physics behind wings and propellers to then teach you how to use Actuator Disk theory or Blade Element Theory in MATLAB to model, design and simulate the performance of propellers accurately in real life conditions.

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One of the only comprehensive, detailed and approachable online courses taking you through the physics behind wings and propellers to then teach you how to use Actuator Disk theory or Blade Element Theory in MATLAB to model, design and simulate the performance of propellers accurately in real life conditions.

Today, propellers and wings are central to ensuring the functioning of some of the most important and impressive machines created by mankind. From personal drones, to airplanes, how does "apparently" such simple engineering devices create forces literally out of thin air, and how can you harness the wonderful Physics behind them?

This course gives you the opportunity to learn and do the following:

- Understand Aerodynamics and Pressure. - Understand the Physics behind Wings and Propellers. - Understand Actuator Disk Theory from its fundamentals and use it to estimate Propellers' Power, Thrust and Efficiency.- Understand Blade Element Theory from its fundamentals.- Implement Blade Element Theory in MATLAB and use it to fully design and/or simulate propellers in real flight conditions.I will thoroughly detail and walk you through each of these concepts and techniques and explain down to their fundamental principles, all concepts and subject-specific vocabulary. This course is the ideal beginner, intermediate or advanced learning platform for the mathematics and physics behind wings and propellers as well as the use of MATLAB in engineering design and simulation. Whatever your background, whether you are a student, an engineer, a sci-fi addict, an amateur roboticist, a drone builder, a computer scientist or a business or sports person, you will master the physics behind propellers and learn how to use the power of MATLAB to design and simulate your own propellers for any project you might have, whether pure curiosity or a full-sized aircraft.

If you have questions at any point of your progress along the course, do not hesitate to contact me, it will be my pleasure to answer you within 24 hours.

If this sounds like it might interest you, for your personal growth, career or academic endeavours, I strongly encourage you to join. You won't regret it.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals of aerodynamics and pressure.
  • Understand the physics behind wings and propellers.
  • Learn how to use lift and drag equations.
  • Understand and use actuator disk theory to quickly calculate the power thrust and efficiency generated by a propeller.
  • Understand and use blade element theory to thoroughly design and simulate propellers.
  • Create and test an engineering model in matlab.
  • Use blade element theory in matlab to design and simulate a propeller in real flight conditions.

Syllabus

Physics & Mathematics Behind Wings & Propellers
Introduction to Aerodynamics and Pressure
Wings & Propellers: How do they work?
Lift & Drag Equations
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Actuator Disk & Momentum Theory
Power Due to Momentum & Thrust
Thrust, Power and Efficiency using Bernoulli
Blade Element Theory
Inflow Factors & Conservation of Angular Momentum
MATLAB Implementation
Propeller, Aircraft & Flight Properties
User Prompt and Flight States
Extracting Aerodynamic Data From an Excel File
Initiating the Bijection Loop and Aerodynamic Calculations
Closing the Convergence Loop
Performance, Dimensionless Coefficients and Data Visualization
Debugging, Running the Code and Analysing Results

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches the physics behind wings and propellers, which is standard in aerospace engineering
Develops skills in using both Actuator Disk Theory and Blade Element Theory in practice, which are core skills for aerospace engineering
Uses MATLAB which is widely used in industry
Taught by an experienced instructor, Eliott Wertheimer, who has a proven track record in teaching aerospace engineering
Provides a great foundation for learners interested in pursuing a career in aerospace engineering
Requires learners to have some background in physics and mathematics

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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 Design and Simulate the Aerodynamics of Propellers in MATLAB with these activities:
Review basic calculus
Review the basics of calculus, such as derivatives and integrals, to prepare for the content in the physics and mathematics section.
Browse courses on Calculus
Show steps
  • Review notes from a previous calculus course.
  • Work through practice problems.
  • Take a practice quiz or exam.
Review the book 'Introduction to Flight' by John D. Anderson
Read 'Introduction to Flight' to supplement your understanding of aerodynamics and flight mechanics, providing a deeper foundation for the course concepts.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course material.
  • Take notes and highlight important concepts.
Form a study group with classmates to discuss course concepts and solve problems together
Collaborate with peers in a study group to enhance your understanding, engage in peer learning, and improve problem-solving skills.
Show steps
  • Find classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
  • Set up regular meeting times and locations.
  • Take turns leading discussions and solving problems.
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Practice using the Actuator Disk Theory and Blade Element Theory equations
Practice using the Actuator Disk Theory and Blade Element Theory equations to improve your understanding and proficiency.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems or exercises online.
  • Work through the problems using the equations provided in the course.
  • Check your answers against the provided solutions.
Follow tutorials on using MATLAB to simulate propeller performance
Follow tutorials to enhance your skills in using MATLAB to simulate propeller performance and gain practical experience.
Browse courses on MATLAB
Show steps
  • Find tutorials online or in the MATLAB documentation.
  • Follow the steps in the tutorials to complete the simulations.
  • Analyze the results of the simulations.
Attend a workshop on propeller design and analysis
Attend a workshop to gain hands-on experience in propeller design and analysis, complementing the theoretical knowledge covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Find a workshop that aligns with your interests.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and participate actively.
Create a presentation or infographic on the different types of propellers
Create a presentation or infographic on the different types of propellers to reinforce your knowledge and share your learning with others.
Show steps
  • Research the different types of propellers.
  • Design your presentation or infographic.
  • Present your work to your classmates or colleagues.
Design and simulate a propeller for a specific aircraft using MATLAB
Apply your knowledge of propeller design and MATLAB to create a functional simulation of a propeller for a specific aircraft, showcasing your understanding and practical skills.
Show steps
  • Determine the specifications of the aircraft.
  • Design the propeller using Blade Element Theory.
  • Create a simulation using MATLAB.
  • Analyze the results of the simulation.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete Design and Simulate the Aerodynamics of Propellers in MATLAB will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, testing and maintaining aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They use their knowledge of aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials to create vehicles that are safe, efficient, and reliable. This course can help you build a foundation in aerodynamics, which is essential for understanding how aircraft fly. You will learn about the physics of lift and drag, and how to use computer simulations to design and test propellers. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to pursue a career in aerospace engineering.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, build, and test a wide range of products, including engines, machines, and tools. They use their knowledge of physics, mathematics, and materials to create products that are safe, efficient, and reliable. This course can help you build a foundation in aerodynamics, which is essential for understanding how machines move. You will learn about the physics of lift and drag, and how to use computer simulations to design and test propellers. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists research and develop new materials for use in a wide range of applications, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics. They use their knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering to create materials that are strong, lightweight, and durable. This course can help you build a foundation in aerodynamics, which is essential for understanding how materials behave in moving air. You will learn about the physics of lift and drag, and how to use computer simulations to design and test propellers. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to pursue a career in materials science.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They use their knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and programming to analyze data and create models. This course can help you build a foundation in aerodynamics, which is essential for understanding how data is collected and used. You will learn about the physics of lift and drag, and how to use computer simulations to design and test propellers. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to pursue a career in data science.
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientists design, develop, and test computer systems and applications. They use their knowledge of mathematics, logic, and programming to create systems that are efficient, reliable, and secure. This course can help you build a foundation in aerodynamics, which is essential for understanding how computer simulations work. You will learn about the physics of lift and drag, and how to use computer simulations to design and test propellers. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to pursue a career in computer science.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts use financial data to make investment recommendations. They use their knowledge of economics, mathematics, and statistics to analyze data and identify trends. This course may be useful for Financial Analysts who want to learn more about aerodynamics. The course will help you understand the physics of lift and drag, and how to use computer simulations to design and test propellers. This knowledge may be helpful for Financial Analysts who want to work in the aerospace industry.
Product Manager
Product Managers develop and manage products. They use their knowledge of marketing, engineering, and design to create products that meet customer needs. This course may be useful for Product Managers who want to learn more about aerodynamics. The course will help you understand the physics of lift and drag, and how to use computer simulations to design and test propellers. This knowledge may be helpful for Product Managers who want to work in the aerospace industry.
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers help companies raise capital by issuing stocks and bonds. They use their knowledge of finance, economics, and law to advise companies on how to structure and execute financial transactions. This course may be useful for Investment Bankers who want to learn more about aerodynamics. The course will help you understand the physics of lift and drag, and how to use computer simulations to design and test propellers. This knowledge may be helpful for Investment Bankers who want to work in the aerospace industry.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for technical products and services. They use their knowledge of writing, editing, and technical communication to create documentation that is clear, concise, and accurate. This course may be useful for Technical Writers who want to learn more about aerodynamics. The course will help you understand the physics of lift and drag, and how to use computer simulations to design and test propellers. This knowledge may be helpful for Technical Writers who want to work in the aerospace industry.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants help businesses improve their performance. They use their knowledge of business, economics, and data analysis to identify problems and develop solutions. This course may be useful for Management Consultants who want to learn more about aerodynamics. The course will help you understand the physics of lift and drag, and how to use computer simulations to design and test propellers. This knowledge may be helpful for Management Consultants who want to work in the aerospace industry.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems. They use their knowledge of systems analysis, design, and programming to create systems that meet business needs. This course may be useful for Systems Analysts who want to learn more about aerodynamics. The course will help you understand the physics of lift and drag, and how to use computer simulations to design and test propellers. This knowledge may be helpful for Systems Analysts who want to work in the aerospace industry.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They use their knowledge of marketing, advertising, and public relations to create campaigns that are effective and reach target audiences. This course may be useful for Marketing Managers who want to learn more about aerodynamics. The course will help you understand the physics of lift and drag, and how to use computer simulations to design and test propellers. This knowledge may be helpful for Marketing Managers who want to work in the aerospace industry.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams. They use their knowledge of sales, marketing, and customer relationship management to develop and execute sales strategies. This course may be useful for Sales Managers who want to learn more about aerodynamics. The course will help you understand the physics of lift and drag, and how to use computer simulations to design and test propellers. This knowledge may be helpful for Sales Managers who want to work in the aerospace industry.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and test software applications. They use their knowledge of programming, mathematics, and computer science to create software that is efficient, reliable, and secure. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who want to learn more about aerodynamics. The course will help you understand the physics of lift and drag, and how to use computer simulations to design and test propellers. This knowledge may be helpful for Software Engineers who want to work in the aerospace industry.
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. They use their knowledge of programming, web design, and user experience to create websites that are user-friendly, efficient, and visually appealing. This course may be useful for Web Developers who want to learn more about aerodynamics. The course will help you understand the physics of lift and drag, and how to use computer simulations to design and test propellers. This knowledge may be helpful for Web Developers who want to work in the aerospace industry.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Design and Simulate the Aerodynamics of Propellers in MATLAB.
This introductory textbook on MATLAB would be very useful for course participants who are unfamiliar with programming in MATLAB.
This Russian-language textbook on propeller theory could be useful for course participants who are interested in a deeper understanding of the subject.
This introductory textbook on flight mechanics would be an excellent, supplemental text to this course on propeller design.
This general textbook on fluid dynamics would provide additonal context for course participants who desire background knowledge.
This comprehensive textbook on aerodynamics would be a useful reference providing background knowledge on the subject.
This textbook on aerospace engineering with a flight test perspective could be useful for those students who are interested in this specialized area of aerospace engineering.
This textbook on aircraft design could be useful for those students who are interested in this specialized area of aircraft design.
This textbook on dynamics of atmospheric flight could be useful for those students who are interested in this specialized area of flight dynamics.

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