SD2800 Experimental Aerodynamics 6.0 credits
This course has been discontinued.
Last planned examination: Spring 2020
Decision to discontinue this course: No information inserted
Wind-tunnel testing is the traditional tool to determine the aerodynamic forces acting on an aircraft. In this course you will perform a number of tests, mainly to compare computational and experimental results when this is possible, but also to show that experimental methods can be used to determine aerodynamic forces in cases where computational results are inaccurate or impossible to obtain.
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
The course is based on three projects. Each project is initiated by a general lecture on the topic of each project. This is followed by a group exercise where initial estimates are made and the actual test is planned. Then follows the actual wind tunnel test which is performed in small groups. Finally, a computer lab is performed where the test data is analyzed and processed.
The first project involves an investigation of a wing profile. Measurements are taken of pressure distribution, drag and lift forces. Visualization techniques are used to investigate boundary layer effects and their influence on overall wing profile performance. The second project concerns the measurement of integrated forces on a complete aircraft configuration, in this case the Swedish Air Force jet trainer Saab 105 (SK60). In the final project, the high angle of attack aerodynamics of the supersonic Saab J35 Draken is analyzed.
Intended learning outcomes
The aim with course is that you should learn how to plan, conduct, and process data from wind tunnel tests. You should develop increased understanding of basic physical phenomena and their influence on the performance of aircraft. Comparisons between experimental and computational results are used to gain experience concerning what type of investigations are most suitable for an experimental approach.
The overall objectives of the course are that you should be able to:
- decide which type of flight condition that is suitable for wind-tunnel testing,
- process, interpret and compile data from wind-tunnel testing,
- compare and combine computational and experimental aerodynamic data,
- explain phenomena like stall, hysteresis, separation and influence from boundary layers.
Course disposition
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
SD2600 Aircraft Performance Analysis or permission from the coordinator.
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
J.D. Anderson, Jr. "Fundamentals of Aerodynamics", McGraw-Hill. International student ed of 5th revised ed.
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- PRO1 - Project, 6.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
Project assignment (PRO1; 6 university credits)
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course web
Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.
Course web SD2800Offered by
Main field of study
Education cycle
Add-on studies
SD2805 Flight Mechanics and SD2610 Computational Aerodynamics.