AOE 4984 Configuration Aerodynamics Syllabus/Rules

Randolph 320 T-Th 9:30 - 11:00

W.H. Mason, Randolph 224A, mason@aoe.vt.edu

Office hours: M: 1:30 to 2:30, W: 9 - 10, T-Th: 11 - 12

Objectives:

  1. Develop an understanding to form a "mental model" of each flowfield or concept against which to gauge computational/experimental "reality".

  2. Understand that computational/experimental tools must be used together, it's not either/or, both have strengths and weaknesses.

  3. Value of analytical theory: airplanes were built before CFD, analytical formulas provide insight on the role of key parameters.

Approach for each topic

  1. Flowfield physics, conceptual/mental models of the flowfield
  2. Key issues for aerodynamicists
  3. What's good/bad: attainable performance
  4. Relevant tools (codes/wind tunnel tests/available data)
  5. Typical applications/expectations

Grades:

Presentations: "Readings"

Computations

Key References: a collection of classic papers

Texts: Ray Whitford, R.T. Jones books, Kuchemann, Bertin and Smith, Thwaites, etc (I'll try to get these on reserve at the library)

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