External Aerodynamics

Lifting surfaces are used in aeronautics, but also for ground vehicles and energy production (wind). The aerodynamic design of these surfaces generally aims at optimizing the lift component of force, while minimizing drag. The objectives of the course are:

• Understand and model the forces (lift and drag) induced by the airflow on a body.
• Identify the associated parameters.
• Formulate and apply aerodynamic models.
• Estimate the accuracy of such models from a design perspective.

1. Flight dynamics.
2. Two-dimensional wing design. Potential flow and singularity methods.
3. Lift and 3D effects. Models: lifting-surface and lifting-line theories.
4. Drag control.
5. Compressibility effects. Laboratory class: study of an aerofoil in a wind tunnel and comparison with numerical simulations. Tutorial class: modelling exercises. Tutorial class: geometrical design of an aerofoil with given specifications.