Course Overview

Rotor and wake aerodynamics are key to many applications such as helicopter and propeller rotors in transport and wind turbines for electricity generation. But rotors have a tendency to generate three-dimensional unsteady aerodynamic phenomena that are complex both to understand and to model. For anyone working in the development and production of helicopter or wind turbine blades, this course is invaluable. It will deliver a depth of knowledge of the science and an ability to apply the technology that will enhance the careers of those already in the industry and the prospects of those wishing to enter it.

Course Highlights

The course focuses on the following topics:

- Momentum theory applied to rotor simulation and design and potential flow models for rotors
- Airfoil aerodynamics
- Unsteady aerodynamics
- Aeroacoustics
- Wake aerodynamic

Modelling can be carried out in any programming language, for example MATLAB, C, or Python.

MAIN GOAL

To effectively conceptualize and design a rotor, it is necessary to combine the fundamental and modeling perspectives of the rotor. In this course, we provide an overview of the phenomena in the aerodynamics of rotors, with special emphasis on Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine rotors. Propellers, vertical axis (crossflow) wind turbine rotors and helicopter rotors will also be addressed, but in less detail. There will be hands on introductions to the different computational models used nowadays to analyze the aerodynamics of rotors, with a focus on vortex models.

Learning Outcomes

After completion of this course, you will be able to:

• + Design or source models which can represent the aerodynamics of different rotor configurations.
• + Analyze complex rotor flows (rotors in yaw, wind farms, etc.).
• + Integrate different models to analyze the flow and combine the different models, evaluating their limitations and overlap.
• + Appraise different models and critique their suitability.
• + Identify and summarize the main fluid phenomena and evaluate their interaction.
• + Design a rotor from an aerodynamic perspective.

Meet Your InstructorS

Carlos Simão Ferreira

Associate Professor

Wei Yu

Assistant Professor

Admissions

Entry Requirements

• + A relevant BEng or BSc degree in a subject closely related to the content of the course or specialized program in question, such as aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering or (applied) physics.
• + The learning objectives of the following TU Delft courses: Applied Aerodynamics or else Fluid Dynamics and If you do not have experience with MATLAB but with other programming language, you can still follow the course, however it is recommended to allocate additional time for mastering it.
• + Level of English equivalent to one of the following certificates: TOEFL score 90+ (this is an internet-based test), IELTS (academic version) overall Band score of at least 6.5 and University of Cambridge: "Certificate of Proficiency in English" or "Certificate in Advanced English".

Teaching and Assessment Methods

• + Video lectures
• + Online office hours
• + Literature and study material
• + Assignments
• + Group Projects

Application Deadline: TBC

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

TBC