AER2012 : Aerodynamics and Thermofluid Mechanics for Aerospace
- Inactive for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Dr Francesco Zonta
- Lecturer: Dr Amir Fard, Dr Umair Ahmed
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module develops the aerodynamic and thermofluid knowledge needed to understand how aircraft, propulsion systems and high-speed aerospace flows behave in practice.
Students will explore how air moves around aerofoils and wings, how viscous and compressible effects influence performance, and how thermodynamic and heat-transfer principles apply to propulsion and thermal management systems. The module builds on foundational fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, extending these ideas to more advanced aerospace applications such as boundary layers, shock waves, expansion waves, jet engine performance and high-speed aerodynamics.
Through analytical methods, modelling approaches and interpretation of engineering data, students will develop the ability to solve structured aerospace engineering problems and communicate clear, justified technical conclusions.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module will typically cover:
Dimensional analysis, similarity, scale modelling and Buckingham’s pi theorem.
Inviscid-flow theory and applications, including integral energy and momentum methods.
Viscous-flow behaviour, including Navier-Stokes applications, Couette and Poiseuille flow.
Boundary-layer theory, including laminar and turbulent behaviour, separation, skin friction and drag estimation.
Compressible-flow theory, including isentropic flow, normal and oblique shocks, and Prandtl-Meyer expansions.
Aerofoil and finite-wing theory, including lift, drag, induced drag and pressure effects.
Thermodynamic principles for gas dynamics, including the second law and propulsion applications.
Brayton-cycle analysis and introductory jet engine performance.
Heat-transfer principles and thermal management in aircraft and spacecraft.
Aerospace applications of high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems and thermofluid performance analysis.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 22 | 2:00 | 44:00 | Structured lectures to present the syllabus including skills demonstration and formative feedback |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | Recommended revision for exams, assuming prior regular independent study throughout the teaching |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Paper 2: NUMBAS examination |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Paper 1: NUMBAS examination |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Preparation and submission of Aerodynamics Lab report |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Formative digital (NUMBAS) tests to help prepare for end of semester exam. Instant feedback on marks |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Inspection of the RR Olympus jet engine after corresponding theory |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | Scheduled lab time to work on experimental aerodynamics |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | Weekly tutorial |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | Watching pre-recorded lectures to supplement the lecture notes. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 70 | 1:00 | 70:00 | Includes background reading, reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material, attempting tutorial questions |
| Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ENG2027 | Applications of Engineering Fluid Mechanics II |
| MEC3032 | Advanced Thermofluid Dynamics |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The module uses lectures, tutorials, laboratory work and engine inspection to connect engineering theory with aerospace practice. Lectures introduce the core principles needed to understand aerodynamic, thermofluid and propulsion behaviour. Small group tutorials develop students’ ability to apply methods, solve structured problems and justify technical decisions. Laboratory experiments support the interpretation of flow behaviour, data, uncertainty and model limitations. Inspection of a non-working Rolls-Royce Olympus engine gives students a practical context for understanding how thermofluid and propulsion concepts relate to real aerospace systems. Together, these methods support the learning outcomes by developing analytical understanding, practical interpretation, engineering judgement and clear technical communication.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 120 | 1 | A | 40 | online NUMBAS assessment, open book/open notes (2hrs) |
| Digital Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 40 | online NUMBAS assessment, open book/open notes (2hrs) |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 20 | Experimental Aerodynamics lab report - max 1000 words |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 2 | M | 2 x 30 Minute Canvas quiz to check module knowledge at the end of each topic |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Two digital examinations assess students’ ability to apply aerodynamic, thermofluid and propulsion principles to structured engineering problems. The aerodynamics lab report evaluates data interpretation, experimental analysis, uncertainty and technical communication. Formative quizzes provide early feedback, supporting understanding, problem-solving confidence and preparation for the summative assessments across the module learning outcomes.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- AER2012's Timetable