Outline

Overview

This unit of study should prepare students to be able to undertake aerodynamic performance calculations for industry design situations. The unit aims to develop a knowledge and appreciation of the complex behaviour of airflow in the case of two dimensional aerofoil sections and three dimensional wings; To encourage hands-on experimentation with wind-tunnel tests to allow an understanding of these concepts and their range of applicability. To understand the limitations of linearised theory and the effects of unsteady flow. At the end of this unit students will be able to: predict flow properties for general aircraft wing sections to obtain lift, drag and pitching moment; extrapolate section results to predict full three dimensional wing behaviour; undertake experiments and analyse data to verify theoretical predictions; construct simple computer algorithms that will allow more complex geometries to be solved; understand the limitations of theory and the effect of second order parameters (Reynolds number, Mach Number) to the primary flow properties. Course content will include: construction and designation of two dimensional aerofoil sections; point vortex model of aerofoil; Joukowski transformation theory; thin aerofoil theory; linear lift properties for sections; limiting effects such as stall; calcualtion of pitching moment coefficient; methods for estimation of boundary flow and friction drag calculations; viscous-inviscid panel method numerical solutions; modelling of three dimension wing flows; lifting line theory and vortex lattice method; effects of downwash, aspect ratio, sweep angle and asymmetry.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AERO9260
Assumed knowledge ?	Mathematics and Physics to the level of Bachelor of Science or equivalent. Linear Mathematics and Vector Calculus, Partial Differential Equations (Intro)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Morgan Li, mogeng.li@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final Exam 2hr exam during exam period	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lab Report 1: Flow Around a Cylinder Lab report.	5%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Sep 2025	3 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Data analysis	Assignment 1: 2D Potential Flow Report. The assignment should take an average student group 30 hours to complete.	15%	Week 06 Due date: 12 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Sep 2025	12 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Mid semester quiz Mid-semester quiz completed in-class	15%	Week 07 Due date: 19 Sep 2025 at 11:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lab Report 2: Flow Around an Aerofoil Lab report.	5%	Week 09 Due date: 10 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 Oct 2025	3 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Data analysis	Assignment 2: 3D Potential Flow Report. The assignment should take an average student group 30 hours to complete.	15%	Week 12 Due date: 31 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Nov 2025	12 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Weekly quizzes Weekly quizzes on Canvas.	5%	Weekly	1-2 questions per week	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assignment 1: Application of potential flow to the analysis of 2D aerofoils.
Lab Reports: Pressure measurement around an object. Understanding of Reynolds number effects. Analysis of aerofoil section. Stall and separation effects.
Assignment 2: Application of potential flow to the analysis of 3D wings.
Weekly quizzes: Weekly quizzes on Canvas, on content from lectures, tutorials, and prerequisite knowledge.
Mid semester quiz: Quiz in class time on content from lectures and tutorials so far
Final Exam: 2hr exam during exam period on content from lectures and tutorials.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The penalty for lateness is 5% per day. The penalty would apply from the next calendar day after the deadline. The penalty is a percentage of the available mark and is applied to the mark gained after the submitted work is marked (e.g., an assignment worth 100 marks is 1 day late. The content is given a mark of 75. With the 5% penalty, the final mark is 70).

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Independent study outside of contact hours to prepare for classes and to work on assignments	Independent study (90 hr)
Week 01	1. Introduction; 2. Review of prior concepts; 3. Lift, drag, pitching moment, wing and section geometry; 4. Nondimensional coefficients and numbers	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	1. Governing equations of fluid motion; 2. Ideal potential flow	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 03	1. Conformal mapping; 2. Thin aerofoil theory	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 04	1. Panel method solutions for aerofoil sections; 2. Viscous/Inviscid interaction techniques; 3. Aerofoil characteristics and design	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 05	1. 3D potential flow	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 06	1. Lifting line theory; 2. Vortex lattice method	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 07	1. Wing characteristics and design; 2. Empirical aerodynamics	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 08	1. Wind tunnels; 2. Measurement correction techniques	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 09	1. Boundary layers; 2. Blasius solution	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 10	1. Momentum integral equation; 2. Transition to turbulence	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 11	1. Turbulent boundary layers	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 12	Guest lecture	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 13	1. Unit review	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Houghton, E.L. and Carpenter P.W. – Aerodynamics for Engineering Students. Elsevier, 2003. 978-0-7506-5111-0
Bertin J.J – Aerodynamics for Engineers. Prentice-Hall, 2002. 0-13-064633-4
Kuethe A.M. and Chow C-Y – Foundations of Aerodynamics. Wiley (New York), 1998. 0-471-12919-4
Anderson, J.D. Jr – Fundamentals of Aerodynamics. McGraw-Hill (Boston), 2001.
Abbott I.H. and Von Doenhoff A.E. – Theory of Wing Sections. Dpver (New York), 1959. 0-486-60586-8

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. construct simple computer algorithms that will allow more complex geometries to be solved
LO2. write an engineering report on an experimental test
LO3. work effectively in a team to complete an experimental project
LO4. apply solutions to problems under standard aerospace legislation requirements
LO5. understand the limitations of theory and the effect of second-order parameters (Reynolds number, Mach Number) on the primary fluid flow properties
LO6. predict flow properties for general aircraft wing sections to obtain lift, drag and pitching moment
LO7. extrapolate two-dimensional section results to predict full three-dimensional wing behaviour
LO8. undertake experiments and analyse data to verify theoretical predictions
LO9. demonstrate an improved understanding of the use of software packages to solve fluid flow problems

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles. 2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large. 3.2. Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 3.6. An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams. 4.4. Skills in implementing and managing engineering projects within the bounds of time, budget, performance and quality assurance requirements. 5.6. Skills in the design and conduct of experiments and measurements. 5.7. Proficiency in appropriate laboratory procedures; the use of test rigs, instrumentation and test equipment. 5.8. Skills in recognising unsuccessful outcomes, sources of error, diagnosis, fault-finding and re-engineering. 5.9. Skills in documenting results, analysing credibility of outcomes, critical reflection, developing robust conclusions, reporting outcomes.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems. 4.5. An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles. 2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks. 5.1. An appreciation of the scientific method, the need for rigour and a sound theoretical basis. 5.5. Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles. 5.1. An appreciation of the scientific method, the need for rigour and a sound theoretical basis.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles. 2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks. 2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 5.6. Skills in the design and conduct of experiments and measurements. 5.7. Proficiency in appropriate laboratory procedures; the use of test rigs, instrumentation and test equipment.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 5.4. Skills in the selection and application of appropriate engineering resources tools and techniques, appreciation of accuracy and limitations;. 5.5. Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.

Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.1		Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
1.2		Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
2.1		Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
2.2		Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains.
3.1		An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
3.2		Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation.
3.6		An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
4.1		Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
4.4		Skills in implementing and managing engineering projects within the bounds of time, budget, performance and quality assurance requirements.
4.5		An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives.
5.1		An appreciation of the scientific method, the need for rigour and a sound theoretical basis.
5.4		Skills in the selection and application of appropriate engineering resources tools and techniques, appreciation of accuracy and limitations;.
5.5		Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.
5.6		Skills in the design and conduct of experiments and measurements.
5.7		Proficiency in appropriate laboratory procedures; the use of test rigs, instrumentation and test equipment.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

N/A

Additional information

There may be statistically defensible moderation when combining the marks from each component to ensure consistency of marking between markers, and alignment of final grades with unit outcomes.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

AERO8260: Aerodynamics 1

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links