KL6011 - External aerodynamics and propulsion

What will I learn on this module?

The module aims to provide a solid understanding of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics of high speed compressible flows and basic principles of operation of turbomachines relevant to aeronautical engineering. The module provides students with the necessary basic knowledge and understanding of propulsion and lift creating devices; it forms solid basis for subsequent self or guided ln-depth learning study of air-borne vehicles and their engines. It provides understanding of turbomachinery types for auxiliary and main thrust-generation purposes. In addition to providing a subject-specific knowledge, the module develops analytical and problem solving skills.

Through a consideration of a holistic example, the following topics will be encountered by the students:

Basic gas dynamics: isentropic flows, stagnation and static properties. Propelling nozzles, steady one-dimensional flow including friction and heat transfer.

Non-isentropic flows: planar and oblique shock waves. Rarefaction waves. Introduction to steady two-dimensional supersonic flow: lift and drag on a winglet

Sub- and supersonic intake nozzles, ram effect and pressure recovery

Principles of turbo-machinery. Velocity triangles, Euler equation. Head-flow characteristic, stability of operation: choking and stall. Dimensionless criteria.

Types of rotodynamic machines: axial and centrifugal. Degree of reaction. Isentropic efficiency. Elementary introduction to aeroplane engines: axial gas turbines and compressors, engine matching.

By addressing such issues using an informed and creative engineering approaches, you will gain confidence in solution of complex and authentic engineering problems related to high-speed air-borne flight. The module delivery uses the electronic learning platform (eLP) to provide a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning.

How will I learn on this module?

Active learning sessions will be used to allow you to engage with theoretical and applied course material and assist you in exploring key concepts and topics within the module. Sessions will involve a combination of content delivery and practical learning exercises to enable you to apply your learning to authentic, broadly-defined engineering problems that may involve conflicting and/or incomplete information. A problem-solving focused curriculum will allow you to explore and understand how well-proven solutions can be applied to more open-ended problems and provide further opportunity for innovative discovery of alternatives. Learning activities will enable students to work collaboratively through the further development of teamwork and communication skills, and the encouragement of creative thinking to solve engineering problems.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

During your active learning sessions, academic support will be available to facilitate your exploration of the problem-solving activities. Formative feedback will be provided by the module team, including answering student queries and providing guidance concerning the module such as assessments and your academic progress. The electronic learning platform (eLP) provides a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning. Contact with academic tutors and your peers outside formal teaching hours is encouraged through dedicated ‘office hours’, discussion boards and messaging systems within the eLP. Professional support staff, such as Ask4Help, provide the first point of contact for a range of queries, including, for example, those concerning assessment submission, late submission/extensions, and other administrative issues.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

MLO1 Acquire working knowledge of compressible flow phenomena as applied to airborne vehicles

MLO2 Gain firm understanding of various propulsion arrangements and their prime movers suitable for different types of flying vehicles.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

MLO3 Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to for assessment of various propulsion schemes

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

MLO4 Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks arising from use of the airborne vehicles.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment

Module tutors will give you a timely formative assessment helping to build your confidence and highlight any misunderstandings you may have of the theoretical and professional concepts presented in the module. Your formative feedback will be given to you either verbally by academic staff on the module during formally scheduled teaching sessions or using the eLP. Your formative feedback aims to help your learning and prepare for the submission of your summative assessments.

Summative Assessment

The summative assessment consists of two parts:

Component 1 (60% of the total module mark, MLO1 and MLO2) tests your knowledge and understanding of the application of computational and analytical techniques applied to a propulsion or lift-generating system of an airborne vehicle

Component 2 (40% of the total module mark, MLO3), will require you to evaluate industrial and societal security concerns arising from use of an airborne vehicle and present legislative norms and technical mitigations for these concerns.

Feedback will be provided electronically through the eLP or student email within 20 working days of the date of submission. 

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

The module aims to provide a solid understanding of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics of high speed compressible flows and basic principles of operation of turbomachines relevant to aeronautical engineering. The module provides students with the necessary basic knowledge and understanding of propulsion and lift creating devices; it forms solid basis for subsequent self or guided ln-depth learning study of airborne vehicles and their engines. It provides understanding of turbomachinery types for auxiliary and main thrust-generation purposes. In addition to providing a subject-specific knowledge, the module develops analytical and problem solving skills.

By addressing such issues using an informed and creative engineering approaches, you will gain confidence in solution of complex and authentic engineering problems related to high-speed air-borne flight. The module delivery uses the electronic learning platform (eLP) to provide a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning.

Course info

UCAS Code H680

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Engineering, Physics and Mathematics

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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