Aerodynamics is
the science concerned with the flow field surrounding an aerospace vehicle. By
flow field we mean primarily the velocity and pressure
fields. However, at high speeds the temperature field is also
important. Of special interest are the forces generated on aerospace vehicles as
they move through the atmosphere (lift and drag).
The main difference between the low speed, incompressible aerodynamics (studied
in AE162) and the high speed, compressible aerodynamics (studied in AE164) is
the variation in the flow density. As the speed of the flow surpasses
roughly 30% of the speed of sound (Mach = 0.3) air density variations become
significant.
This course provides an introduction to compressible flow through the use of
theory, problem solving, laboratory experiments, computer simulations and films.
Course Topics: