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MAE 589 616 Aerodynamics of V/STOL Vehicles

3 Credit Hours

Aerodynamics and performance of vertical and short take-off and landing vehicles. Aerodynamics of propellers and rotors. High lift devices.

Prerequisite

Undergraduate/graduate course in aerodynamics/fluid mechanics, or consent of instructor.

Course Objectives

After completing the course, the student should be able to:
• Identify the basic parts of a V/STOL aircraft
• Describe the technical problems associated with vertical flight
• Explain the unique nature of rotary wing aerodynamics
• Apply the use of high lift devices to V/STOL aircraft.
• Apply the aerodynamics of propellers and rotors to a V/STOL aircraft.
• Calculate fundamental parameters for a vehicle that is capable of vertical take-off.
• Solve practical problems associated with V/STOL aircraft.

Course Requirements

The course will consist of:

HOMEWORKS (20%)
Students can expect 2-4 homework assignments.

TESTS (20%)
This course will have 2 midterms worth 10% each.

POP QUIZZES (5%)
Pop quizzes will be given in some lectures, usually at the beginning of classes. No make-ups are available for pop quizzes.

PROJECTS (20%)
Anticipate 1-2 projects in this course.

BLOG POSTS (5%)
Students will be posting 3-5 short blog posts.

FINAL EXAM (30%)
A comprehensive final exam will be administered.

Textbook

  • Gordon J. Leishman, Principles of Helicopter Aerodynamics, 2nd Edition, Cambridge University Press, 2006.
  • Barnes W. McCormick, Jr., Aerodynamics of V/STOL Flight, Academic Press, 1967. (Out of print, used copies often available)
    • Suggested Reference Book (Not Required)
  • Helicopter Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2019.
    • Available for free download as PDF from www.faa.gov.
    • Suggested Reference Book (Not Required)

Updated: 11/04/2021