Aerothermodynamics

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Knowledge and understanding of inviscid compressible high-speed flows
• Understanding of how the full governing equations can be simplified for sub- and supersonic flow regimes and awareness of established/emerging numerical technique to solve them
• Knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer and how this integrates into high speed aerodynamics

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Apply shock/expansion theory to external and internal aerodynamic application
• Apply the inverse-design MoC technique for nozzle design
• Apply Ackerets’ theory to supersonic flow, including design optimisation
• Apply simple correlations for estimation of convective heat transfer
• Apply Prandtl-Glauert correction for subsonic flows

Full CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• The assessed coursework exercise involves the design of a supersonic nozzle, including the selection of an appropriate computational tool and including discussion specifically of the limitations of the technique.
• The final examination and coursework exercises assess the application of engineering principles to the solution of complex aerothermodynamics problems, involving shock waves, expansion fans and heat transfer, including state-of-the-art method of characteristics for analysis and design of internal flows.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Study and learn independently, solving engineering problems
• Communicate work in written reports
• Apply basic finite difference techniques to solve partial differential equations

Partial CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Students learn and are assessed (in examination and coursework) on the use of aerothermodynamics tools and concepts, to perform (i) linear and nonlinear analysis of wing sections under supersonic flow conditions (ii) nozzle design and analysis for the complete range of ratios of back pressure to stagnation pressure (iii) thermal analysis and assessment of heat exchanger performance.
• The assessed coursework exercise requires an individual written report that includes a non-technical summary, with the main body of the report aimed at a technical audience.

Introduction

• Review of 1D gasdynamics and basic concept from thermodynamics

Two-dimensional gas dynamics

• Oblique shock waves; shock reflections (regular and Mach); shock/shock interactions; Prandtl-Meyer expansion waves; shock/expansion method for airfoils; under/over-expanded flow; supersonic wind tunnel.

Conservation laws and simplifications

• Conservation of mass, momentum and energy leading to the compressible Navier-Stokes equations, Crocco equation. Rotational and potential flows. Euler and potential flow equations.

Method of characteristics

• Derivation of method of charactersitsics (MoC). 2-D supersonic nozzle design using MoC.

External aerodynamics

• Flow patterns in transonic and supersonic airfoil flow; critical Mach number; thin airfoils in compressible flow; velocity potential and pressure coefficient; Prandtl-Glauert transformation; Ackeret

theory for supersonic airfoil flow; minimum wave drag; effect of sweepback; sub- and supersonic leading edges.

Heat transfer

• Elements of conduction, convection and radiation heat transfer. Laminar and turbulent boundary layers. Finite difference solution of heat equation. Heat exchangers. Application to heat transfer on high speed vehicles.

Revision

Coursework (e.g. MoC exercise) and examples sheets

Teaching and learning methods

• Lectures.
• Tutorials/examples classes.
• Supporting material on Blackboard.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.