After successful completion of the course, students are able to:

derive and discuss the different mathematical models used in aerodynamics (viscous/inviscid flows, compressible/incompressible flows). They will be able to recognize the character of Partial Differential Equations (parabolic, elliptic, hyperbolic  PDE) that describe these flow phenomena, and to choose and construct a suitable solution method based on a proper space and time discretization.

Students will be able to understand the basic concepts and properties of the different discretization methods (Finite Difference and/or Finite Volume methods) and to use them to compute pressure distributions and aerodynamic forces acting on an aircraft, both at low and high speed. They will be able to analyze the influence of boundary layers, separated flow, stall, wave drag and shock stall for an aircraft wing. They will be able to explain the main potentialities and drawbacks of the numerical approaches employed in the aerodynamic design of an aircraft, and to describe the significance of turbulence modelling in computational aerodynamics.

Fundamental definitions and equations of aerodynamics; Euler and Navier-Stokes equations; General behavior of different classes of partial differential equations (hyperbolic, parabolic and elliptic PDE equations) and their importance in understanding physical and computational aspects of aerodynamic problems at different Mach/Reynolds numbers.

Finite differences methods, approximation for first, second and higher order derivatives; Explicit and implicit approaches; truncation and round-off errors, consistency, stability, accuracy and convergence.

Grid generation; Structured grids, including cartesian grids, stretched (compressed) grids, body fitted structured grids; Unstructured grids.

Basics of finite volume method, cell-centered and cell-vertex approaches.

Definition of finite volume discretization, general formulation of a numerical scheme with examples. Dispersion and dissipation, Alternating-Direction-Implicit (ADI) technique, pressure correction technique and staggered grids.

The range of subject matter covered in the course calls for varied teaching and learning techniques. These include lectures, tutorials, exercises/examples and practical work. Students will be encouraged to exchange ideas and knowledge with colleagues and teachers. Several homeworks, often involving some programming skills, will be assigned through the semester.

Please Register to the course by February 5, 2021

Evaluation of the final written report including the description/implementation/execution of all the proposed homeworks/projects.

Registration to the course is mandatory

A solid knowledge of fluid mechanics, aerodynamics and numerical methods, as well as some basic programming skills (using Fortran, Matlab or C++).