Course Description
Introduction to Aeronautics (APPEL-I-AERO)
Audience
This course is designed for anyone interested in a big-picture overview of aeronautics. No technical background is necessary.
Goal
This four-day course is all about aircraft — how they fly and why they look the way they do. Using design as a common thread, this course provides a solid understanding of the basics of aeronautical engineering, including low & high-speed aerodynamics, stability & control, structures & materials, propulsion systems, and aircraft performance. Although the focus is clearly on conventional aircraft, discussion will include other air vehicles including airships, helicopters, stealth, hypersonic, unmanned, STOL, and micro-air vehicles. At the end of this course, you will be able to identify and understand the design features of a given aircraft and have a tremendous appreciation for the impact of modifying its design (for example, adding tip tanks).
When asked what participants learned that would be most beneficial to their work, they said…
"General comments on what was beneficial included: 'Everything! All information was relevant and 'useful.''the entire course.' 'Background info. to make me a better NASA citizen.' can be used and applied.'"—KSC, 2007
Learning Methods
Lectures, hands-on exercises, practical examples, and discussions are intertwined to support the lesson objectives. Also, an off-site visit to a local aircraft museum or airport / aero club reinforces the classroom discussions.
Specific Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain why standard atmosphere is important in the field of aeronautics.
- Define lift and drag, explain how lift is generated, and identify the various components of drag.
- Explain why an aircraft “stalls” at high angle of attack.
- Describe how flow properties change across a shock wave and an expansion wave.
- Describe design techniques used to minimize drag due to lift and wave drag.
- Explain the significance of (L/D)max and locate (L/D)max on a drag versus velocity graph.
- Identify high-lift devices and state their purpose.
- Name the aircraft axes, the motion of each, and the conventional control surface(s) that produce each motion as well as describe the pilot’s input.
- Identify design and operational factors that contribute to achieving pitch stability.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the structural considerations of a given aircraft.
- Explain how thrust is generated and demonstrate an understanding of the trade-offs associated with aircraft / engine integration.
- Explain the difference between maximum rate of climb and maximum angle of climb.
- Identify and explain the impact of six factors (e.g. density altitude) on takeoff and landing performance.
