Fixed Wing Aeromechanics

What you will learn

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of fixed-wing aerodynamics and flight mechanics.
• Estimate the loads on an aircraft and its structure,
• Evaluate aspects of the performance, stability and control of subsonic and supersonic fixed-wing platforms.

Core content

• Aerodynamics: Fundamental definitions; basic fluid dynamics; basic aerodynamics; the origins of lift; drag subsonic flight speeds; compressible flow; transonic flight; supersonic flight; drag reduction in high-speed flight.
• Aerostructures: History of aircraft structural design developments; fundamental aerospace stress and structural analysis methods; structural layout methods; structural loads.
• Flight mechanics 1: Performance; airspeeds; cruise performance; mass definitions; climbing and descending flight; manoeuvres; take-off and landing; energy-height concept. 
• Flight mechanics 2: Trim, stability and control; longitudinal static stability; lateral/directional static stability; lateral dynamic stability; control methods.
• Tutorials.

Credit towards further study

When taken as an accredited short course, 10 credit points can be put towards the Military Aerospace and Airworthiness MSc.

Find out more about accredited short courses.

Speakers

Dr Alistair Saddington
Dr Derek Bray

Concessions

A limited number of MOD sponsored places are available.