Aerodynamics of V/STOL Aircraft

At the end of this course, the students should be able to: 1. discuss the fundamentals of rotor aerodynamics; 2. explain blade element analysis; 3. discuss blade motion and rotor control; 4. describe basic helicopter performance; 5. describe the conceptual design of helicopters; and 6. explain unsteady aerodynamics, dynamic stall and rotor akes.

Introduction to rotary wing aircrafts: Vertical take-off and landing aircraft and short take-off and landing aircraft. The course includes elaborate discussion on helicopter aerodynamics. Rotor in vertical flight: momentum theory and wake analysis. Rotor in vertical flight: blade element theory. Rotor mechanisms for forward flight. Rotor aerodynamics in forward flight. Rotor aerodynamic design. Prerequisite(s) or concurrent(s): AAE 321, AAE 312 or consent of instructor.