SD2810 Aeroelasticity 9.0 credits
When an aircraft is exposed to aerodynamic forces, its elastic deformation can give rise to a number of effects that are critical to flight safety. This is an introductory course on the topic focusing on learning of fundamental aeroelastic phenomena and methods for aeroelastic analysis
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Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
The course is based on a problem setting where an elastic wind-tunnel model is utilized for learning of aeroelastic phenomena and development of aeroelastic analysis. Emphasis is put on the analysis of aeroelastic deformation, divergence, flutter and control surface efficiency, based on finite element analysis and potential flow methods. In order to create a natural and creative learning environment, the course is based on a peer learning approach. You will therefore belong to a student team that meets regularly to discuss around selected parts of the literature, and decide on topics that need further attention in the course. The technical work mainly consists of the development of an aeroelastic analysis in Matlab that should be compared with experimental results from wind tunnel testing. Finally, you are challenged to perform and document a preliminary aeroelastic analysis of an airframe.
Intended learning outcomes
The overall objectives of the course are that you should be able to:
- explain how the aeroelastic phenomena flutter, divergence and aileron reversal arise and how they affect aircraft performance,
- formulate aeroelastic equations of motion and use therse to derive fundamental relations for aeroelastic analysis,
- perform a preliminary aeroelastic analysis of a slender wing structure in low-speed airflow, and
- explain under what circumstances an aeroelastic analysis can be expected to produce useful results.
Besides from the aims related to your knowledge and skills in aeroelasticity, the course also aims at improving your ability to
- learn with and from other students,
- approach and solve a complex engineering task,
- present your results and conclusions effectively, and
- review and give feedback on work performed by a colleague.
Course disposition
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
SD2411 Lightweight Structures and FEM, and SD2805 Flight Mechanics or permission from the coordinator.
English B / English 6
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- PRO1 - Project, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
Laboratory work (LAB1; 3 university credits)
Oral exam (TEN1; 3 university credits)
Project assignment (PRO1; 3 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 SD2810