3 Credit Hours

Equations of motion in supersonic flow; unsteady wave motion, velocity potential equation; linearized flow; conical flow. Slender body theory. Methods of characteristics. Shockwave/ boundary layer interactions.

Prerequisite

MAE 355 Aerodynamics I and 356 Aerodynamics II or equivalent undergraduate course on compressible flows.

Course Objectives

To familiarize students with basic concepts of aerothermodynamics and compressible flows and their application in practical devices. To familiarize students with the analytical techniques to perform basic gas-dynamics calculations.

Course Outline

• Intro to thermodynamics
• CV analysis of conservation equations
• Normal shock waves
• Supersonic flow over a corner: oblique shock waves and expansion fans
• Supersonic nozzles
• Finite strength compression waves
• Moving shock wave analyses
• Shock tubes, shock tunnels, and expansion tubes

Course Requirements

Projects and one take-home exam.

Textbook

Anderson, John. Modern Compressible Flow With Historical Perspective, 3rd Ed., McGraw-Hill, Inc., 2002.

Updated: 10/20/2025.