Aérodynamique externe

Understand and describe the forces (lift and drag) induced on a body by flow. Identify the associated design parameters. Formulate and apply flow models appropriate to aerodynamics. Estimate the accuracy of predictions resulting from such models from a design perspective.

1. Flight dynamics. Piloting and control surfaces. Longitudinal flight equilibrium. Flight stability.
2. Two-dimensional wing design. Essential elements of aerofoil theory. Thin aerofoil theory. Models: potential flow, panel methods.
3. Lift and 3D effects. Lift/circulation relationship and its consequences for 3D flow. Elliptic loading and its generalisation. Models: lifting-surface and lifting-line theories.
4. Drag control. Laminar and turbulent boundary layers. Parameters influencing transition. Components of drag on an aircraft.
5. Compressibility effects. Mach number, shock waves. Transonic and supersonic aerofoils. Models: Prandtl-Glauert and Ackeret theories.

Laboratory class: study of an aerofoil in a wind tunnel and comparison with numerical simulations. Tutorial class: basic aircraft modellings. Tutorial class: geometrical design of an aerofoil satisfying given specifications.