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

• Understand the fundamental notions of gas dynamics and aerodynamics, integrating specific knowledge with that of other related fields in engineering (for example thermodynamics and fluid mechanics);
• follow specific physico-mathematical reasoning that are required to understand and model gas/aerodynamics problems;
• understand and solve simple problems encountered in aerospace/industrial/chemical applications;
• develop learning skills necessary to undertake further study with a high degree of autonomy;

Gas dynamics: Introductory concepts, fundamental definitions and equations, speed of sound, Mach number, thermodynamics; Steady isoentropic flow, choked flow, subsonic and supersonic nozzles; De-Laval nozzle, Hugoniot equations; Flow with friction, Fanno line; Flow with heat addition, Rayleigh line; Shock waves, conservation relations, normal and oblique shocks. Aerodynamics: external flows, aerodynamic forces and moments; skin friction, pressure drag and lift;  incompressible flow around an airfoil;  NACA airfoils; modern low-speed NASA airfoils; Finite wings; Linear theory for subsonic and supersonic compressible flow over an airfoil;  elements of hypersonic flow. All themes will be illustrated via examples and exercises.

The following methods will be used to support students in achieving the expected learning outcomes:

• Calculation of examples and case studies at the blackboard;
• Assignment of homeworks to be solved (within a certain deadline, typically 1 week) independently by the students; discussion of the corresponding solution strategies/results with the students

Registration to the course is required

If possible, lectures will be offered in presence to the registered students. Alternatively, zoom meetings will be organized.

Lectures will start March 10, 2022, and will take place Thursday afternoon (16:00-19:00).

Suggested Readings:
John D. Anderson, Fundamentals of Aerodynamics. Sixth edition. New York: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math 2017.

Hans Wolfgang Liepmann, Anatol Roshko, Elements of Gasdynamics. Dover Books on Aeronautical Engineering Series, Courier corporation 2001.

Students have to write a final exam to assess whether they have achived the expected knowledge and preparation.