Aerodynamics for Engineers

Basic concepts are presented to show the difference between airfoils and wings, as well as the physical processes that cause those differences, such as wing-tip vortices. A physical description is presented for the impact of wing-tip vortices on the flow around the airfoil sections that make up a wing, and lift-line theory is developed to predict the effects of wing-tip vortices. A general description and calculation methods are presented for the basic approach and usefulness of panel methods and vortex lattice methods. A physical description for how delta wings produce lift and drag is also presented, including the importance of strakes and leading-edge extensions. High angle of attack aerodynamics is discussed, including the physical mechanisms that cause vortex asymmetry. Unmanned aerial vehicles and aerodynamic design issues are discussed. Finally, basic propeller theory and analysis approaches are introduced, including the use of propeller data to design low-speed propellers.