Module descriptors
The module descriptors for our undergraduate courses can be found below:
- Four year Aeronautical Engineering degree (H401)
- Four year Aeronautical Engineering with a Year Abroad stream (H410)
Students on our H420 programme follow the same programme as the H401 spending fourth year in industry.
The descriptors for all programmes are the same (including H411).
H401
Introduction to Vertical Flight S6
Module aims
As transportation demands grow increasingly complex, the realm of rotorcraft, discipline in Aeronautics. Therefore, understanding the foundational principles of rotorcraft design is crucial for engineers and designers tasked with shaping the future of urban air transportation.
This module explores the theory and design of rotorcraft and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicles, including their aerodynamics, dynamics, and performance. Students will apply fundamental theories such as Momentum Theory and Blade Element Theory in hovering, axial and autorotating flight, as well as forward flight. Rotor dynamics, including flapping motion, lead-lag, torsion, and rotor types like semi-rigid and teetering, will be thoroughly investigated.
Topics extend to helicopter performance metrics such as power requirements, range and endurance, along with rotorcraft trim, stability, and control. Additionally, students will examine rotorcraft aerodynamic design principles, including considerations specific to electric VTOL vehicles. The module concludes with an exploration of advanced topics in rotorcraft design, including vibration issues and the complexity of the rotor vortex wake.
Learning outcomes
On successfully completing this module, you should be able to:
1. carry out analytical and numerical analyses to predict a rotor's power requirements
2. discuss the limitations imposed by rotor aerodynamics on rotorcraft forward and descending flight;
3. analyse the dynamic motions of a rotor blade and discuss the implications of a rotor's level of rigidity
4. evaluate the performance capabilities of a given rotorcraft, considering the power requirements of various components at differents stages of flight
5. evaluate a rotorcraft's ability to trim and its level of stability
6. discuss the effect of key rotor design parameters on a rotor's aerodynamic performance in a variety of flight conditions
Module syllabus
Configurations of rotorcraft and VTOL vehicles
Rotor Aerodynamics: Axial Momentum Theory (MT); Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT)
MT & BEMT for hovering, axial and autorotating flight
MT & BEMT for forward flight
Rotor Dynamics: Flapping motion, lead-lag and torsion; the semi-rigid and teetering rotor
Helicopter performance: power requirements, maximum range and endurance and rotor limits envelope
Rotorcraft trim, stability and control
Rotorcraft aerodynamic design, (e)VTOL design concepts
Advanced topics in vertical flight, such as vibrations; vortex wake; Vortex Ring State
Teaching methods
The module will be delivered primarily through large-class lectures introducing the key concepts and methods, supported by a variety of delivery methods combining the traditional and the technological. The content is presented via a combination of slides, whiteboard and visualizer.
Learning will be reinforced through tutorial question sheets.
Assessments
This module presents opportunities for both formative and summative assessment.
You will be formatively assessed through progress tests and tutorial sessions.
You will have additional opportunities to self-assess your learning via tutorial problem sheets.
You will be summatively assessed by an in-class test and a written closed-book examination at the end of the module.
You will be summatively assessed by an in-class test and a written closed-book examination at the end of the module.
| Assessment type | Assessment description | Weighting | Pass mark |
| Examination | 2-hour closed book written examination in the Summer term | 80% | 50% |
| Examination | In-class test | 20% | 50% |
You will receive feedback on examinations in the form of an examination feedback report on the performance of the entire cohort.
You will receive feedback on your performance whilst undertaking tutorial exercises, during which you will also receive instruction on the correct solution to tutorial problems.
Further individual feedback will be available to you on request via this module’s online feedback forum, through staff office hours and discussions with tutors.