C8405 - ADVANCED AERODYNAMICS

Learning outcomes

The course provides a comprehensive understanding of advanced concepts in fluid mechanics, bridging theoretical foundations with applications in aerodynamics and industrial viscous flows. This module focuses on the derivation and application of the general equations of motion of fluid flows, potential flow theory, and basic concepts of boundary layer theory. It addresses aerodynamic performance of lifting and bluff bodies, with emphasis on applications on both flying and ground vehicles.

Course contents

Structure of the Integrated Course

The integrated course Advanced Fluid Dynamics is divided into two complementary modules:

Module 1 – Advanced Aerodynamics
Module 2 – Viscous Flows and Turbulence

The course provides advanced theoretical and methodological tools for the analysis of fluid flows, with particular emphasis on aerodynamic applications, viscous flows, and turbulence. The two modules respectively address the modelling and analysis of aerodynamic forces acting on lifting and non-lifting bodies, and the study of the main phenomena associated with viscous flows, transition, and turbulence.

Module 1 – Advanced Aerodynamics

The module introduces the theoretical foundations and modelling tools required for the analysis of advanced aerodynamic problems. Starting from the general equations governing fluid motion, potential-flow theory and the fundamental concepts of boundary-layer theory are developed. These tools are then applied to the analysis of the aerodynamic performance of lifting and bluff bodies, with particular reference to aircraft, ground vehicles, and selected problems in industrial aerodynamics.

Module 2 – Viscous Flows and Turbulence

The module explores the dynamics of viscous flows through the study of analytical solutions for canonical flow configurations. It also introduces the fundamental concepts of wall-bounded flows, transition, and turbulence, providing the physical and mathematical tools required to understand their main characteristics.

The two modules will be assessed separately. The final grade for the integrated course will be the average of the grades obtained in the two modules.

Advanced Aerodynamics Course ContentPart I – Fundamentals and Models

• Review of fluid kinematics and dynamics

• Conservation equations and boundary conditions

• Origin and dynamics of vorticity

• Potential flows and inviscid models

• Boundary-layer theory, integral methods, and flow separation

• Determination and physical interpretation of aerodynamic forces

Part II – Bluff Bodies, Wakes, and Applications

• Flow separation and pressure drag

• Wake structure, instability, and dynamics

• Effects of Reynolds number and body geometry

• Passive and active flow-control techniques

• Applications to ground-vehicle aerodynamics

• Unsteady aerodynamic loads and industrial aerodynamics

• Introduction to rotor aerodynamics

Readings/Bibliography

Elements of Fluid Dynamics – G. Buresti – Imperial College Press - ISBN-13 978-1848168893

Road Vehicle Aerodynamic Design: An Introduction - Mechaero Publishing; ISBN-13: 978-0954073404

Principles of Helicopter Aerodynamics - J.G. Leishman - Cambridge University Press- ISBN-13: 978-1107013353

Appunti del docente saranno resi disponibili su Virtuale durante il corso.

RECOMMENDED READING

Road Vehicle Aerodynamic Design: An Introduction - Mechaero Publishing; ISBN-13: 978-0954073404

Teaching methods

Lectures and exercises given by the lecturer. During the course, seminars and integrative courses given by highly distinguished lecturers will be organised. They will be focused on specific aerodynamic topics for the Aerospace and Industrial Engineering. These arguments will be part of the program and can be the part of the final exam

Assessment methods

The exam will take place in a single session during which 3 questions and/or excercices will be assigned to the candidate by at least 2 different examiners to ensure maximum fairness. The questions will be first answered in writing. Thereafter, the candidate will discuss the answer with the examiner.

The student must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the equations and techniques presented in class and to be able to summarize the knowledge gained by connecting the theory and the engineering solutions seen in the course.

The exam will be evaluated according to the following general criteria:

- Basic knowledge of the entire course content (e.g. correct statement and use of definitions, equations, concepts, etc);

- Ability to make connections between theoretical aspects and engineering solutions; (e. g. explain how the point of separation is linked to a drag increase and/or what are the engineering solution to minimize it)

- Clarity of presentation and synthesis; (Logical organization, legible drawing and schematics, concise argumentation).

Examples of evaluation scale:

18-20: The student shows sufficient knowledge of each topic examined, but is hardly able to make connections and needs considerable help from the examiners in the exposition.

20-26: The student shows a good knowledge of of each topic examined, is able to make some connections between theory and applications with some help from the examiners. The discussion is guided by the examiner.

28-30:The student shows excellent knowledge of of each topic examinedd, is able to easily make connections between theory and applications without any help from the examiners. The exposition is clear and mainly autonomus.

Teaching tools

Blackboard, projection of slides and multimedia material.

Office hours

See the website of Gabriele Bellani

See the website of Guglielmo Minelli