The module descriptors for our undergraduate courses can be found below:

  • Four year Aeronautical Engineering degree (H401)
  • Four year Aeronautical Engineering with a Year Abroad stream (H410)

Students on our H420 programme follow the same programme as the H401 spending fourth year in industry.

The descriptors for all programmes are the same (including H411).

H401

Aerodynamics 3

Module aims

This module covers both compressible and incompressible aerodynamics relevant to aerospace vehicle design. The module builds on the Aerodynamics 1 and 2 modules. Topics covered include the derivation of the Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes equation, treatment of boundary layers, finite aspect ratio wing effects, effects of friction and heat transfer on compressible flow and the two-dimensional method of characteristics for compressible flows.

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing this module, you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of the intractability of the Navier-Stokes equations for aircraft applications and hence justify the need for simplifications: (i) the RANS equation for turbulent flow; and (ii) Laplace's equation for potential flow around aerofoils.
2. Appreciate the significance of the momentum integral equation in coupling viscous and inviscid solvers and employ approximate methods (i.e. Thwaite's method) to solve it.
3. Apply physical principles in order to derive the mean velocity profile in a zero-pressure-gradient laminar boundary layer and analyse the various regions of a turbulent boundary layer.
4. Solve Prandtl's lifting line model for the generation of lift on a finite aspect ratio wing for a generalised lift distribution represented as a Fourier series.
5. Evaluate the effects of friction and heat transfer on 1D compressible flows.
6. Apply the 2D method of characteristics to analyse unsteady gas dynamics problems and steady 2D compressible flows.
7. Undertake experiments using wind tunnels and typical aerodynamic measurement techniques to understand the flow around a finite (swept) wing and visualise supersonic flows with shocks; compare the experiment against theoretical expectation and numerical prediction; communicate these findings effectively.

Module syllabus

The module consists of one section on incompressible flow and one section on compressible flow.
 
1). Incompressible flow
- The need for numerical methods. Equations of motion: derivation of 3-D, incompressible, Navier Stokes equations. Reynolds stresses. Review of small perturbation theory: hierarchy of small disturbances. Numerical solution of incompressible, potential flow. Effects of thickness and camber.
- Surface singularity methods. Surface source method (A.M.O. Smith).
- Introduction to boundary layers: the thin-shear-layer approximation. Blasius solutions Laminar: Thwaites’ approximate method. Turbulent boundary layers, Reynolds stresses, the law of the wall.
- Lifting line theory: wings of large aspect ratio: basis of theory for wings of finite span. Downwash and induced drag. Prandtl’s theory. Use of lifting line theory and elliptic loading. Solutions for general planforms.
- Swept wings in incompressible flow. Comparison with/without sweep: the use of taper.
 
2). Compressible flow
- Compressible flow: governing equations. Waves and speed of sound. Validity of the incompressible assumption. Normal and oblique shock waves. Prandtl-Meyer expansion waves. Shock expansion theory.
- Rayleigh flow, Fanno flow.
- Method of characteristics. Introduction: 1-D unsteady inviscid flow. Unsteady jump conditions. Unsteady motion in a constant area duct. Characteristic equations and compatibility conditions. Examples: simple and non-simple regions. Shock tube problem.
- Steady 2-D irrotational isentropic flow. Governing equations. Characteristic lines. Compatibility conditions. Example: nozzle design.

Pre-requisites

AERO40001 Aerodynamics 1
AERO50001 Aerodynamics 2

Teaching methods

The module will be delivered primarily through large-class lectures introducing the key concepts and methods, supported by a variety of delivery methods combining the traditional and the technological. The content is presented via a combination of slides, whiteboard and visualizer.
Learning will be reinforced through tutorial question sheets and laboratory exercises, featuring analytical, computational and experimental tasks representative of those carried out by practising engineers.
Interactivity and feedback on content and pacing is facilitated through Mentimeter polls.

Assessments

This module presents opportunities for both formative and summative assessment.
You will be formatively assessed through progress tests and tutorial sessions.
You will have additional opportunities to self-assess your learning via tutorial problem sheets.
You will be summatively assessed by a written closed-book examination at the end of the module as well as through practical laboratory assessments and a written laboratory report.
If module is failed, the typical reassessment offered will be exam only.
Assessment type Assessment description Weighting Pass mark
Examination Closed-book written examination 80% 40%
Practical Laboratory assessment 20% 40%
You will receive feedback both during the laboratory sessions and following the coursework submission.
You will receive feedback on examinations in the form of an examination feedback report on the performance of the entire cohort.
You will receive feedback on your performance whilst undertaking tutorial exercises, during which you will also receive instruction on the correct solution to tutorial problems.
Further individual feedback will be available to you on request via this module’s online feedback forum, through staff office hours and discussions with tutors.

Reading list

Core

Supplementary

Module leaders

Professor Peter Vincent
MEng Student Handbook 2025-26
MEng Degree Programme Specification