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MIT: 16.110 Flight Vehicle Aerodynamics

Flight Vehicle Aerodynamics


MIT
Enrollment is Closed

About this course

This course covers the physics, concepts, theories, and models underlying the discipline of aerodynamics. A general theme is the technique of velocity field representation and modeling via source and vorticity fields, and via their sheet, filament, or point-singularity idealizations.

The intent is to instill an intuitive feel for aerodynamic flowfield behavior, and to provide the basis of aerodynamic force analysis, drag decomposition, flow interference estimation, and many other important applications. A few computational methods are covered, primarily to give additional insight into flow behavior, and to identify the primary aerodynamic forces on maneuvering aircraft. A short overview of flight dynamics is also presented

Prerequisites

Basic mechanics, vector calculus, basic differential equations; good familiarity with basic fluid mechanics concepts (e.g. pressure, density, velocity, stress, etc.) is expected, similar to the content in 16.101x (however 16.101x is not a requirement).

Course staff

Course Instructor: Mark Drela

Professor Mark Drela is the Terry J. Kohler Professor of Fluid Dynamics at the MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, where he joined the faculty in 1986. His primary research interests are in low speed and transonic aerodynamics, design and performance of aircraft and aeromechanical devices, and computational aerodynamic design methodology. He has developed a number of computational aerodynamic design/analysis codes currently being used in the aircraft and gas turbine industry. He has also developed tools for analysis and design of control systems for highly aeroelastic aircraft.

 

Course Instructor: Alejandra Uranga

Dr Alejandra Uranga is a Research Engineer in the MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. She holds a MASc from the University of Victoria, BC, Canada, and a PhD degree from MIT. Her research has been in Computational Fluid Dynamics, specifically the modeling and simulation of turbulence and transition. She is currently the project technology lead for design, development, simulation, and wind tunnel testing of an advanced transport aircraft concept under the NASA N+3 program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a required textbook?

You do not need to buy a textbook. All material is included in the edX course and is viewable online. This includes a full textbook in PDF form. If you would like to buy a print copy of the textbook, a mail-order service will be provided.

 

Will I earn a certificate?

Yes. Online learners who achieve a passing grade in a course can earn a certificate of mastery. These certificates will indicate you have successfully completed the course, but will not include a specific grade. Free honor code certificates will be issued by edX under the name of MITx.


Can I still register after the start date?

You can register at any time, but you will not get credit for any assignments that are past due.

 

How are grades assigned?

Grades are made out of four parts: simple, multiple-choice “Concept Questions” completed during lectures; weekly homework assignments; and two exams, one at the midpoint and one at the end of the course.

 

How does this course use video? Do I need to watch the lectures live?

Video lectures as well as worked problems will be available and you can watch these at your leisure. Homework assignments and exams, however, will have due dates.

 

Will the text of the lectures be available?

Yes, transcripts of the course will be made available.

 

What are the prerequisites?

The student is expected to be well-versed in basic mechanics, vector calculus, and basic differential equations. Good familiarity with basic fluid mechanics concepts (e.g. pressure, density, velocity, stress, etc.) is expected, similar to the content in 16.101x (however, 16.101x is not a requirement).

 

Will the material be made available to anyone registered for this course?

Yes, all the material will be made available to all students.

 

  1. Course Number

    16.110

  2. Classes Start

    2016-09-07T16:00

  3. Classes End

  4. Estimated Effort

    12 hours per week.

  5. Requirements

    Basic mechanics, vector calculus, basic differential equations; good familiarity with basic fluid mechanics concepts (e.g. pressure, density, velocity, stress, etc.) is expected, similar to the content in 16.101x (however 16.101x is not a requirement).