Aerospace engineering

Introduction Definition of the work related to the conceptual design of a fixed-wing aircraft and of the fundamental skills necessary for its development. Description of the phases of the project. Notes on current regulations (FAR, JAR) Mission profile. Calculation of take-off weight: Estimate of empty weight. Fuel fraction method. Examples. Introduction to sensitivity analysis to design parameters. Preliminary aerodynamic design of an aircraft Calculation of wing loading and installed thrust/power Sizing according to take-off, landing requirements. Take-off parameter TOP(CLmax , W/S, T/W). Choice of airfoil. Choice of the geometry of the finished wing. Introduction to nonlinear theories. Basic load and additional load for the profile and for the finished wing. Polar of the aircraft: Calculation of the single terms of resistance. The wing design in the compressible subsonic regime: Corning's method for the choice of the wing.

Basic knowledge in aerodynamics, flight mechanics and propulsion

Jan Roskam. Progetto di Velivoli. CLUP Milano Daniel P. Raymer. Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach. AIAA Educational Series.

In classroom

Document on assigned design

Core Texts Raymer, D.P. – Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach, 6th Edition, AIAA, 2018. Comprehensive manual for preliminary and conceptual aircraft design, including practical calculation examples and sizing methods. Torenbeek, E. – Synthesis of Subsonic Airplane Design, Springer, 2013. Detailed engineering approach for subsonic aircraft design, focusing on aerodynamics and performance. Gudmundsson, S. – General Aviation Aircraft Design: Applied Methods and Procedures, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2013. Practical reference for light and regional aircraft design, suitable for laboratory activities. Practical Manuals and Design Tools Raymer, D.P. – Aircraft Performance: Theory and Practice, AIAA, 2012. In-depth coverage of aircraft performance, stability, and system sizing. Sadraey, M.H. – Aircraft Design: A Systems Engineering Approach, Wiley, 2012. Systems engineering methodology for aircraft design, with examples of analytical calculations and preliminary simulations. Etkin, B. & Reid, L.D. – Dynamics of Flight: Stability and Control, 3rd Edition, Wiley, 1996. Theoretical support for stability and control assessments applicable in laboratory projects. Advanced References / CFD and Numerical Tools Anderson, J.D. – Fundamentals of Aerodynamics, 6th Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2017. Aerodynamic fundamentals useful for wing sizing and preliminary performance analysis. Raymer, D.P. – Aircraft Design Projects: Worked Examples and Case Studies, AIAA, 2015. Integrated project examples, highly suitable for hands-on laboratory exercises. CAD/CFD Software Manuals (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, XFLR5, OpenVSP, ANSYS Fluent). Practical guides for modeling and simulation tools essential for laboratory activities.

Teaching Methods The course is organized through a combination of teaching activities aimed at providing both theoretical and practical skills: Introductory lectures and seminars Presentation of fundamental principles of aircraft design and laboratory methodology. Introduction to software tools (CAD, spreadsheets, CFD) and preliminary analysis techniques. Guided practical exercises Application of preliminary sizing methods for wings, fuselage, and propulsion systems. Development of conceptual diagrams and 3D models of aircraft. Laboratory activities Group work for the design of an aircraft according to given specifications. Use of CAD software and simulation tools to evaluate aerodynamic and geometric performance. Preparation of technical reports and project presentations. Independent study and deliverable preparation Analysis of technical texts and specialized literature. Preparation of short reports, project datasheets, and final presentations. Project discussions and review Presentation of projects developed by student groups. Instructor feedback and critical discussion of design solutions.