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     MAE 561 Wing Theory
 

Fundamentals of subsonic flow over finite wings. Analysis methods and design considerations for finite wings. Detailed development of lifting-line theory and discrete-vortex Weissinger's method for high aspect ratio wings of arbitrary platform. Overview of vortex-lattice methods and panel methods. Discussion of Munk's theorems and their use in determining optimum downwash and lift distributions for multiple and non-planar wings. Design issues for winglets, tailless, aft-tail, and canard-configured aircraft. Introduction to propeller theory. 3 credit hours

  
     

Prerequisite
  

Undergraduate course in aerodynamics or fluid mechanics or consent of instructor.

 
Course Objectives  

After this course, the student will be able to explain the primary features of flow over finite wings and explain the typical methods of analysis for finite-wing aerodynamics. The student will be able to use analysis techniques and design methods in determining and discussing design issues associated with different wing planforms and configurations.

 
Course Requirements  

HOMEWORK: Three homework assignments and two programming assignments in either Fortran, C or MATLAB™

EXAMINATIONS: One open-book, take-home final exam

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: Familiarity with MATLAB™.

PROJECTS: One research paper on a topic related to wing aerodynamics

IMPORTANT NOTE: The course offered this summer was recorded during the 15-week semester at NC State University. The summer session, however, is 10 weeks in duration. Therefore, students will need to cover the course material at a considerably faster pace than during the regular semester. All course requirements must be completed during the 10-week summer session. This should be a consideration before registering for the course.

 
Textbook  

(Not Required)

Useful reference textbook: Katz, J. and Plotkin, Low-Speed Aerodynamics, Second Edition, Cambridge University Press, 2001.

Useful supplemental reference textbook: Anderson Jr., J. D., Fundamentals of Aerodynamics, Fourth Edition, McGraw Hill. (Previous editions will also work.)

 
Computer and Internet Requirements  

NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers that are generally used for courses. Those specifications can be found here: http://www.ncsu.edu/it/compspecs/

Engineering Online recommends that your computer meets or exceeds the following minimum specifications below. A computer with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, internet bandwidth, disk capacity) will be more likely to properly display the video content of Engineering Online courses.

Windows:

  • Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2003, or Windows Vista
  • Intel-compatible 1 GHz processor
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available
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  • Sound output and speakers
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1 or later, Firefox 2.0 or later, or Google Chrome 1.0
  • Windows Media Player 9.0 or later
  • Real One Player Basic (required for certain courses)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)

Mac OS X:

  • Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later
  • G4 processor
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available
  • Video display at 1024 x 768 or greater
  • Sound output and speakers
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  • Real One Player Basic (required for certain courses)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)
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Linux:

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  • Adobe Reader for Unix
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)

 
Instructor  

Dr. Ashok Gopalarathnam, Associate Professor
Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
North Carolina State University
2404 Broughton Hall
Campus Box 7910
Raleigh , NC 27695-7910

Phone: (919) 515-5669
Fax: (919) 515-7968
E-Mail: ashok_g@ncsu.edu
Instructor Website: http://www.mae.ncsu.edu/directories/faculty/gopal.html