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Anzijs Vilcevskis

Aerospace Engineering: Airplane design and Aerodynamic basics course is aviation and airline related course where you will study most modern airplane designs and engine work principles. My intention is that you, in terms of aerodynamics, learn and understand how different airplane components including its engines make the airplane to fly in the most efficient way. The course is concentrated on civil commercial airplanes but also explains essential designs used in military aviation.

The structure of the course is following:

Introduction

Aircraft and airplane classification

Aerodynamics basics

Read more

Aerospace Engineering: Airplane design and Aerodynamic basics course is aviation and airline related course where you will study most modern airplane designs and engine work principles. My intention is that you, in terms of aerodynamics, learn and understand how different airplane components including its engines make the airplane to fly in the most efficient way. The course is concentrated on civil commercial airplanes but also explains essential designs used in military aviation.

The structure of the course is following:

Introduction

Aircraft and airplane classification

Aerodynamics basics

Airframe, flight controls and engines

You will learn such topics as Aircraft classification, Flight Performance classes, Airplane spectrum of use, Commercial airplane classification, Aerodynamic forces of an airplane, Laminar and turbulent flows, stall, Airframe, Flight controls and high lift devices, Jet engines, Aviation fuel types, ICAO noise categories and much more.

The objectives of this course for you are to be well oriented in Aerospace engineering and in Aviation in general, and get deep theoretical and practical knowledge on the subjects. For better understanding the course contains a lot of graphical information, practical examples, around 2 hours of specially prepared reading materials and quizzes after each theoretical section.

I encourage you to begin this journey to Aviation and Aerospace engineering and you will not regret it. If you have any questions during the course feel free to contact me, I will answer as quick as possible.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Aircraft and airplane classification by various parameters.
  • Most of airplane designs and configurations and how these impacts its spectrum of use.
  • General aerodynamics of airplanes: forces of a flight, laminar and turbulent flows, stalls, supersonic flights, airplane stability, etc.
  • Airplane airframe and flight controls.
  • Turbojet, turbofan, turboprop and piston engines.
  • Types of aviation fuel.

Syllabus

Introduction
Introduction to the course
Course Content
Be able to classify and describe aircraft and airplane types based on various parameters and configurations.
Read more

You will learn about A,B and C Flight performance classes

This lecture will help to understand different airplane noise categories established by ICAO, and what are typical methods of airplane's noise level reduction. 

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores airplane designs and engine principles, providing a foundational understanding of how different components enable efficient flight, which is essential for aviation studies
Covers aircraft classification, flight performance classes, and airplane spectrum of use, offering a broad overview of key concepts in aerospace engineering
Examines aerodynamic forces, laminar and turbulent flows, and stall, which are fundamental concepts for understanding airplane stability and flight characteristics
Details airframe components, flight controls, and high lift devices, providing practical knowledge of airplane construction and operation
Discusses turbojet, turbofan, turboprop, and piston engines, offering insights into the different types of propulsion systems used in aviation
Includes information on aviation fuel types and ICAO noise categories, which are relevant for understanding environmental and regulatory aspects of aviation

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Reviews summary

Foundational aerospace engineering & aerodynamics basics

According to learners, this course offers a positive and well-structured introduction to aerospace engineering basics, focusing on airplane design and aerodynamics. Students appreciate the clear explanations of fundamental concepts, making complex topics accessible. Many found it provides a solid foundation for understanding how airplanes fly and their key components, including airframes and engines. The inclusion of graphical information and practical examples is frequently highlighted as beneficial. However, some learners note that while it covers the basics thoroughly, the depth may be too introductory for those with prior knowledge, suggesting it's best suited for beginners or as a refresher.
Logically organized and easy to follow.
"The course structure is logical and flows well."
"Modules were well-organized into manageable sections."
"Found the way the topics were presented easy to navigate."
Detailed look at airframe, engines, controls.
"Liked the sections on airframes, flight controls, and jet engines."
"Good overview of the different engine types and how they work."
"Helped me understand the main parts of an airplane."
Graphical information aids understanding.
"The diagrams and images really helped visualize the concepts."
"Practical examples made the theory much easier to grasp."
"Appreciated the graphical representations of airfoils and forces."
Provides strong base in key aerospace topics.
"Gave me a solid foundation in aerodynamics and airframe basics."
"Excellent starting point for understanding aerospace engineering."
"Helped me build the fundamental knowledge needed for further study."
Complex concepts explained clearly and simply.
"The explanations were very clear and easy to follow, even for someone new to the topic."
"Instructor broke down complex aerodynamic principles into understandable parts..."
"...great job simplifying the basics of airplane design and forces."
Content most valuable for those starting out.
"If you are already familiar with the basics, this course might be too simple."
"Great intro, but won't be enough if you have prior engineering knowledge."
"Perfect for someone with zero background, but intermediate learners may find it basic."

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 Aerospace Engineering: Airplane design and Aerodynamic basic with these activities:
Review Aerodynamics Fundamentals
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental aerodynamic principles before diving into airplane-specific designs. This will help you grasp the 'why' behind airplane design choices.
Browse courses on Aerodynamics
Show steps
  • Review notes from previous physics or engineering courses.
  • Work through practice problems related to lift, drag, and fluid flow.
  • Watch introductory videos on aerodynamics concepts.
Read 'Airplane Aerodynamics and Performance'
Deepen your understanding of airplane aerodynamics and performance by studying a dedicated textbook. This will supplement the course material and provide a more rigorous treatment of the subject.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Airplane Aerodynamics and Performance'.
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
  • Work through the example problems in the book.
Create a Presentation on Wing Configurations
Solidify your understanding of different wing configurations by creating a presentation. This will force you to organize your knowledge and present it in a clear and concise manner.
Show steps
  • Research different wing configurations (e.g., delta, swept, straight).
  • Create slides outlining the advantages and disadvantages of each configuration.
  • Include diagrams and illustrations to support your presentation.
  • Practice your presentation to ensure a smooth delivery.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Report on Aviation Fuel Types
Deepen your understanding of aviation fuel types by creating a comprehensive report. This will require you to research the different types of fuel, their properties, and their applications.
Show steps
  • Research different types of aviation fuel (e.g., Jet A, Avgas).
  • Describe the chemical composition and properties of each fuel type.
  • Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each fuel type.
  • Discuss the environmental impact of each fuel type.
Design a Simple Airplane Model
Apply your knowledge of airplane design and aerodynamics by creating a simple airplane model. This hands-on project will help you visualize the concepts learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific type of airplane to model (e.g., Cessna 172, Boeing 737).
  • Research the dimensions and specifications of the chosen airplane.
  • Create a 3D model using CAD software or build a physical model from balsa wood or foam.
  • Analyze the aerodynamic properties of your model using simulation software or wind tunnel testing.
Read 'Fundamentals of Airplane Flight Mechanics'
Expand your knowledge of airplane flight mechanics with a dedicated textbook. This will provide a deeper understanding of the forces and moments acting on an airplane in flight.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Fundamentals of Airplane Flight Mechanics'.
  • Focus on chapters related to stability, control, and performance.
  • Work through the example problems and exercises in the book.
Follow Online Tutorials on Jet Engine Design
Gain practical insights into jet engine design by following online tutorials. This will supplement the theoretical knowledge gained in the course.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable online tutorials on jet engine design.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, paying attention to the design principles.
  • Experiment with different design parameters to see their effect on engine performance.

Career center

Learners who complete Aerospace Engineering: Airplane design and Aerodynamic basic will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Aerodynamicist
An aerodynamicist focuses on the study of how air flows and interacts with objects, especially aircraft. This course specifically covers aerodynamic forces, laminar and turbulent flows, stalls, and stability, which are all core knowledge areas for this role. This course goes into detail about the aerodynamic aspects of airplane design and function, which is fundamental to the work of an aerodynamicist. Anyone seeking to become an aerodynamicist may find this course particularly helpful.
Aerospace Engineer
An aerospace engineer designs, develops, and tests aircraft and spacecraft. This course helps build a foundation in understanding airplane design and aerodynamic principles, which are central to the work of an aerospace engineer. The course also covers essential topics like aircraft classification, flight controls, engine types, and aviation fuel, all of which are relevant to this role. Someone aspiring to become an aerospace engineer should take this course which will orient them in the field of aerospace engineering and aviation.
Aircraft Designer
An aircraft designer is responsible for creating the blueprints and technical specifications for new airplanes. This course is highly relevant because it provides a solid base in understanding airplane designs and aerodynamic principles. It covers specific knowledge in aircraft classification, flight controls, high lift devices, and how different components make an airplane fly efficiently. An aspiring aircraft designer will find this course invaluable as it delves into various aspects of airplane design and configuration.
Aeronautical Engineer
An aeronautical engineer works in the design, construction, and maintenance of aircraft. This course helps build a strong foundation in aircraft design and aerodynamics, which is valuable for any aeronautical engineer. The course covers many essential areas such as aircraft classification, flight controls, and engine work principles, all of which are fundamental to the field of aeronautical engineering. If you wish to become an aeronautical engineer, you will find this course invaluable.
Flight Controls Engineer
A flight controls engineer designs and develops the systems that control the movement of an aircraft. This course directly addresses the essential elements of flight control systems, including high lift devices. The material in this course helps build a deeper understanding of how these systems operate, which is highly relevant to the job of flight controls engineer. Aspiring flight controls engineers may benefit from the concepts covered in this course.
Aerospace Engineering Technician
An aerospace engineering technician helps with design, development, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft. This course helps build a technical understanding of airplane design, aerodynamics, and propulsion which is useful for an aerospace engineering technician. The course introduces key topics such as aircraft classification, flight controls, and engine types. An aerospace technician may find it very helpful to take this course.
Propulsion Engineer
A propulsion engineer specializes in the design, development and testing of aircraft engines and related systems. This course is valuable because it covers essential topics such as turbojet, turbofan, turboprop, and piston engines, as well as aviation fuel types. A propulsion engineer needs to have a comprehensive knowledge of these concepts to be successful in their work, and this course will help build a foundation in the subject.
Flight Test Engineer
A flight test engineer plans and conducts flight tests on experimental and new aircraft. This course helps build an understanding of airplane aerodynamics including the forces of flight, laminar and turbulent flows, and stalls, which is highly relevant to the work of a flight test engineer. The course also covers the principles of flight controls, which is valuable for flight testing. An aspiring flight test engineer may find it advantageous to study the principles covered in this course.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
An aircraft maintenance engineer is responsible for the upkeep and repair of aircraft. This course may be useful for the knowledge it provides about airplane airframes, flight controls, and engine types. It helps build a strong foundation of the various components and systems of an airplane and will help support the maintenance work of an aircraft maintenance engineer. An aspiring aircraft maintenance engineer may benefit by familiarizing themselves with the concepts taught in this course.
Avionics Engineer
Avionics engineers work on the electronic systems of aircraft, including navigation, communication, and flight control systems. This course may be useful for its coverage of flight controls and how different airplane components work together, which gives context to the work of an avionics engineer. Someone interested in avionics engineering may take this course to learn about airframe and flight control system elements and how they interact to enable flight.
Engineering Educator
An engineering educator teaches engineering principles at a university or technical college. This course may be useful as it provides a broad overview of multiple topics in aerospace engineering and aviation. It could help an engineering educator gain a holistic view of the topics they teach. Engineering educators that are new to the field of aerospace may be interested to learn more about the technical fundamentals in this course, for example.
Aviation Consultant
An aviation consultant provides expert advice to aviation companies on a variety of issues, such as operations and strategy. This course may be beneficial in that it provides a comprehensive base knowledge of aircraft design, aerodynamics, and propulsion systems. This background would help inform an aviation consultant seeking to advise a company, for example, in making key decisions. Individuals looking to work in aviation may find it beneficial to take this course.
Research Scientist
A research scientist in aerospace conducts research on various aerospace-related topics. This course may be useful to someone working as a research scientist by providing a general overview of the field of aerospace engineering and aviation. It will help them understand airplane designs and aerodynamics. Research scientists seeking a better understanding of current aircraft technology may consider taking this course.
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates documentation for technical products, including those in the aerospace industry. This course may be useful for someone who needs a general knowledge of airplanes and aerodynamics in order to write documentation, such as instruction manuals. The information on airplane components, flight controls, and engine types will help a technical writer better understand the technology they will be working with. A technical writer in the aviation field may find the course materials helpful.
Structural Engineer
A structural engineer designs the physical structures of buildings, bridges, and airplanes. While this course is focused on aerodynamic and flight principles, some knowledge of airframe components and design considerations may be useful. It introduces specific aspects of design in the field of aviation, in the context of overall structural planning, that a structural engineer may find helpful. Someone seeking a focus in airplane design may take this course.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Aerospace Engineering: Airplane design and Aerodynamic basic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of airplane aerodynamics and performance analysis. It covers topics such as airfoil theory, wing design, stability and control, and performance estimation. It valuable resource for understanding the theoretical foundations of airplane design and can be used as a reference throughout the course. This book provides more depth than the course alone.
Delves into the flight mechanics of airplanes, covering topics such as stability, control, and performance. It provides a more advanced treatment of these subjects than the course itself. It is best used as additional reading to expand on the course materials. This book is commonly used in aerospace engineering programs.

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