The module descriptors for this programme can be found below.

Modules shown are for the current academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Please note that the curriculum of this programme is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

Aeroelasticity S4

Module aims

This module introduces the theory and practice of aeroelasticity in fixed-wing aircraft. Aeroelasticity is concerned with coupled problems involving structural dynamics and unsteady flows, such as vibrations of wings in flight, their dynamic response to atmospheric turbulence, and the changes on control effectiveness of deforming air vehicles. All those are addressed in this module, which will introduce the most common analytical and numerical models used for aeroelastic analysis.

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing this module, you should be able to:
1. Explain the interaction between aerodynamic, elastic, inertia and actuator forces which gives rise to aeroelastic phenomena. 
2. Formulate mathematically the equations of motion or equilibrium, and their corresponding stability characteristics, for aeroelastic systems and interpret their solutions for different aircraft configurations. 
3. Identify and contrast the key factors that may lead to aircraft flutter and of the design strategies that may be used to prevent them; 

4. Appraise the scope of loads and aeroelasticity within aircraft design and awareness of the analysis tools used in the aerospace industry. 

Module syllabus

1) Introduction to aeroelastic and aeroservoelastic phenomena and their causes. 
2) Review of energy methods in structural dynamics and linear aerodynamics.
3) Static aeroelasticity: divergence and control reversal of wings, Ritz-Galerkin solutions for static aeroelasticity in arbitrary wings.
4) Linear solutions on impulsive flows over aerofoils, unsteady aerodynamics.
5) Dynamic aeroelastic modelling: rational-function approximations, state-space descriptions.
6) Flutter of aerofoils and wings.
7) Dynamic response to discrete gusts and atmospheric turbulence.

 

Teaching methods

The module will be delivered primarily through large-class lectures introducing the key concepts and methods, supported by a variety of delivery methods combining the traditional and the technological.  The content is presented via a combination of slides, whiteboard and visualizer, supported by extensive notes with all mathematical derivations.

Learning will be reinforced through tutorial question sheets that will be discussed in tutorial lessons. 

Assessments

This module presents opportunities for both formative and summative assessment.  
You will be formatively assessed through progress tests and tutorial sessions. 
You will have additional opportunities to self-assess your learning via tutorial problem sheets. 
You will be summatively assessed by a written 2hr examination in the Summer term.

You will receive feedback on examinations in the form of an examination feedback report on the performance of the entire cohort.
You will receive feedback on your performance whilst undertaking tutorial exercises, during which you will also receive instruction on the correct solution to tutorial problems.
Further individual feedback will be available to you on request via this module’s online feedback forum, through staff office hours and discussions with tutors. 
 

Useful links