Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Professional engineers working in aerospace avionics require a general understanding of aerodynamic theory and its application to aircraft performance. This unit provides an introduction to the principles of aerodynamics and aircraft performance without any presumed knowledge in either fluid mechanics or thermodynamics. The unit is intended to be taught in the first or second year of the degree to provide a foundation for later units in aircraft systems and flight control.

Aims

The unit aims to provide you with a basic introduction to the principles of aerodynamics and aircraft performance, without a background in either fluid mechanics or thermodynamics.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Understand the fundamental principles of aerodynamics
2. Perform basic aircraft performance calculations

Content

1. Fluid properties, air and the atmosphere.
2. Fundamental laws of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.
3. Fundamental aerodynamic equations and terminology.
4. Aerodynamic forces, moments and coefficients.
5. Reynolds number and Mach number effects in aerodynamics
6. Aircraft propulsion and performance characteristics.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The teaching in this unit is based around a series of lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions which allows you to develop an understanding of the theoretical concepts and then apply these concepts to the solution of engineering problems. The weekly lecture sessions will present theoretical concepts covering each of the topics. Many of these theoretical concepts will be explained using the development and solution of engineering problems. Reference will also be made to relevant sections of the text.
The weekly tutorial sessions will give you the opportunity to apply the theoretical concepts covered in the lecture to the solution of engineering problems. You will have the opportunity to further develop your independent learning and problem solving skills during these tutorial sessions. However, the tutorial teaching staff will also provide group and independent guidance during these sessions.
You will also undertake a series of laboratory exercises which have been developed to demonstrate the application of the theoretical concepts to real engineering applications. You will be given the opportunity to further develop your experimental observation, recording and reporting skills during these sessions

Teaching Mode:
Four hours per week of lectures, tutorials and laboratory practical work

Learning Approaches:
Learning approaches will cover the following:
Problem based
Individual learning
Experiential learning

Assessment

Assessment will be based on a written assignment, a written laboratory report, and an end-of-semester examination.Formative feedback will be provided in tutorials and laboratories. Summative feedback will be provided on the written assignments.

Assessment name: Research Paper
Description: Library research and analysis assignment
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Report
Description: A formal written report based on the laboratory practical sessions.
Relates to objectives: 1
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 12

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Central exam
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Resource materials in the form of lecture notes, tutorial solutions and laboratory notes are provided on the unit's Blackboard web site. This material is designed to supplement rather than replace the material presented during the lecture and tutorial sessions.

Text Book:
Author: Barnard and Philpott.
Title: Aircraft Flight
Year: 2003
Publisher: Pearson
Edition: Third

Other reference books:
Author: Anderson, J.D
Title: Introduction to Flight
Year: 1989
Publisher: McGraw-Hill

Author: McCormick, B.W
Title: Aerodynamics, Aeronautics and Flight Mechanics
Year: 1995
Publisher: Wiley

Author: Kermode, A.C
Title: Mechanics of Flight
Year: 1987
Publisher: Longman

Risk assessment statement

You will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.
You will be required to undertake practical sessions in the laboratory under the supervision of the lecturer and technical staff of the School. In any laboratory practicals you will be advised of requirements of safe and responsible behaviour and will be required to wear appropriate protective items (e.g. closed shoes or steel capped shoes).
You will undergo a health and safety induction before the commencement of the practical sessions and will be issued with a safety induction card. If you do not have a safety induction card you will be denied access to laboratories.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 06-Feb-2013