Module 08. Basic Aerodynamics

8.1 Physics of the Atmosphere

1. International Standard Atmosphere (ISA), application to aerodynamics.

8.2 Aerodynamics

1. Airflow around a body;
2. Boundary layer, laminar and turbulent flow, free stream flow, relative
3. airflow, upwash and downwash, vortices, stagnation;
4. The terms: camber, chord, mean aerodynamic chord, profile (parasite)
5. drag, induced drag, centre of pressure, angle of attack, wash in and wash
6. out, fineness ratio, wing shape and aspect ratio;
7. Thrust, Weight, Aerodynamic Resultant;
8. Generation of Lift and Drag: Angle of Attack, Lift coefficient, Drag
9. coefficient, polar curve, stall;
10. Aerofoil contamination including ice, snow, frost.

8.3 Theory of Flight

1. Relationship between lift, weight, thrust and drag;
2. Glide ratio;
3. Steady state flights, performance;
4. Theory of the turn;
5. Influence of load factor: stall, flight envelope and structural limitations;
6. Lift augmentation.

8.4 Flight Stability and Dynamics

1. Longitudinal, lateral and directional stability (active and passive)