AE25C01 Low Speed Aerodynamics – Semester IV – Aero / Aerospace – R-2025

Subject Code & Name: AE25C01 – Low Speed Aerodynamics

Regulation: R-2025

Semester: IV (Fourth Semester)

Branch: B.E. Aeronautical Engineering (Aero) / B.E. Aerospace Engineering (Aerospace)

Credits / L-T-P: 4 Credits | L-T-P: 3-0-2

Course Objectives

• To introduce fundamental fluid mechanics and aerodynamic principles governing low-speed flows.
• To enable analysis and design of airfoils and wings, and to evaluate boundary layer effects using theoretical and computational approaches.

Full Unit-wise Syllabus

Unit I – Governing Equations

Continuity, Momentum and Energy equations-Differential & Integral forms.

Activities: Divide students into small groups and make them to discuss the Reynolds Transport Theorem (RTT) for momentum. Solving GATE Aerospace Engineering questions.

Unit II – Two Dimensional Flows and Generation of Lift

Elementary flows and their combinations, Ideal flow, Magnus effect, D'Alembert's paradox - Pressure and velocity distributions on bodies with and without circulation in ideal and real fluid flows - Kutta Joukowski’s theorem, Kutta condition.

Practical: 1. Pressure distribution over smooth cylinder 2. Pressure distribution over rough cylinder

Activities: Demonstration on Magnus Effect, Analytical Problem Solving on Kutta– Joukowski Theorem

Unit III – Airfoil Theory

Cauchy-Riemann relations, complex potential, methodology of conformal transformation, Kutta Joukowski transformation and its applications, Thin airfoil theory and its applications.

Practical: 1. Surface pressure distribution over symmetrical airfoil 2. Surface pressure distribution over cambered airfoil. 3. Determination of Aerodynamic coefficients of airfoils using computational analysis tools

Activities: Use an online visualization (e.g. Python scripts, or MATLAB) to demonstrate a conformal transformation, Solving GATE Aerospace Engineering Questions.

Unit IV – Subsonic Wing Theory

Vortex filament, Biot - Savart law, bound vortex and trailing vortex, horse shoe vortex, lifting line theory and its limitations

Practical: 1. Force measurement on symmetrical and cambered airfoil 2. Water flow visualization around cylinder, wedge and airfoil models

Activities: Create a simple 3D wire model to demonstrate the bound vortex on a wing and the trailing vortices shed at the tips, Solving GATE Aerospace Engineering Questions

Unit V – Introduction to Boundary Layer Theory

Boundary layer and boundary layer thickness, displacement thickness, momentum thickness, energy thickness, shape parameter, boundary layer equations for a steady, two dimensional incompressible flow, boundary layer growth over a flat plate, critical Reynolds number, Blasius solution, basics of turbulent flow.

Activities: Demonstrate by using a smoke tunnel or wind tunnel with smoke visualization to observe the development of a boundary layer over a flat plate & other models and understand its growth with distance.

Tasks: T1. Design a low-speed UAV wing—select a suitable airfoil and justify based on lift and drag. T2. Reduce wind-induced vibrations in a cylindrical structure—propose aerodynamic modifications. T3. Improve automobile fuel efficiency—identify flow separation regions and suggest drag reduction methods. T4. Enhance wind turbine performance at low speeds—recommend blade airfoil and design changes.

Course Outcomes (COs)

• CO1: Explain fundamental concepts of fluid mechanics, governing equations, two-dimensional flows, airfoil theory, wing theory, and boundary layer behavior.
• CO2: Apply aerodynamic principles to determine lift, pressure distribution, circulation, and boundary layer characteristics for low-speed flows.
• CO3: Analyze aerodynamic performance of airfoils and wings to understand flow behavior, lift generation, and drag characteristics under various conditions.
• CO4: Evaluate and develop suitable aerodynamic solutions by comparing airfoil and wing configurations considering performance, efficiency, and flow behavior.

Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)

• Weightage: Continuous Assessment 50% | End Semester Examinations 50%
• Internal methodology: Written Test (40%), Practical (30%), Activity (30%). Practical: Lab Experiments (50%), Tasks (50%) (Each student must complete a minimum of two tasks). Activity: Review of GATE/ESE Questions (10%), Mini Project/ Quiz/ Assignment Programs/ Flipped Class /Seminar Presentation (20%)

Source: Official Anna University – B.E. Aeronautical Engineering R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: October 2026