AEE 427 – Aircraft Performance & Dynamics

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of aircraft performance and dynamics. Topics include wing aerodynamics, thrust and drag; performance analysis of aircraft including take-off, landing, climbing, gliding, turns, range and load factors; control surfaces; longitudinal and lateral static stability; and dynamic stability. This course consists of a lab component where students use a flight simulator to collect data on aircraft performance and dynamics, allowing them to analyze real-time flight parameters and understand the practical application of theoretical concepts. This course is offered in the Fall.

Text: Introduction to Flight, J. D. Anderson (1978)

Sample Syllabus

MAE 741 – Fundamentals of Turbulence

This course introduces students to the basics of turbulent flows. Topics include the nature of turbulence and its physical manifestations, statistical description and scales of turbulent motion, turbulent free shear flows and wall bounded flows, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and closure models, introduction to large-eddy simulation, and mixing and reaction in turbulent flows. The final projects in this course provides an opportunity to analyze real data as well as present on a turbulence-related topic of their choice.

Text: Turbulent Flows, S. B. Pope (2000) & Turbulence: An Introduction for Scientists and Engineers, P. A. Davidson (2012)

Sample Syllabus

MAE 4272 – Fluids & Heat Transfer Lab (Teaching Assistant)

Laboratory exercises in fluid mechanics and the thermal sciences. Measurements of flame temperature, pressure, heat transfer, viscosity, lift and drag, fluid-flow rate, effects of turbulence, airfoil stall, flow visualization, and spark ignition engine performance. Instrumentation, techniques and analysis, and interpretation of results. Biweekly written assignments with extensive feedback.