Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics
- Faculty
Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science
- Version
Version 1 of 26.02.2026.
- Module identifier
11B2352
- Module level
Bachelor
- Language of instruction
German
- ECTS credit points and grading
5.0
- Module frequency
only summer term
- Duration
1 semester
- Brief description
Aerodynamics deals with the flow processes during the movement of a fixed-wing aircraft in the earth's atmosphere and the air forces acting on it. Flight mechanics uses air, engine and inertial forces to describe the performance, stability, movement behavior and controllability of an aircraft. Aerodynamics and flight mechanics form the basis for understanding the function of aircraft. The methods, laws and phenomena of aerodynamics and flight mechanics are presented and the procedure for the design and recalculation of aircraft is practiced using examples, computer exercises and laboratory experiments.
- Teaching and learning outcomes
Aerodynamics of the aerofoil, the fuselage and the tail units in subsonic and supersonic flow. Propeller aerodynamics.
Simplified equations of motion of an airplane as a rigid body in space. Solving the equations for longitudinal and lateral motion. Estimation of flight performance, flight characteristics, stability and controllability.
Computer exercises: Numerical calculation of the flow on wings and airplanes.
Laboratory: wind tunnel measurements on wings and airplanes.
- Overall workload
The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").
- Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning Workload hours Type of teaching Media implementation Concretization 45 Lecture Presence - 15 Laboratory activity - Lecturer independent learning Workload hours Type of teaching Media implementation Concretization 40 Work in small groups - 20 seminar paper - 30 Preparation/follow-up for course work -
- Graded examination
- Written examination
- Ungraded exam
- Field work / Experimental work
- Literature
[1] Schlichting, H.; Truckenbrodt, E.: Aerodynamik des Flugzeuges, Band 1 und 2, Springer Verlag.
[2] Bohl, W.; Elmendorf, W.: Technische Strömungslehre. Vogel Verlag.
[3] Böswirth, L.; Bschorer, S.: Technische Strömungslehre. Springer Vieweg Verlag.
[4] Kümmel, W.: Technische Strömungsmechanik. Teubner Verlag.
[5] Sigloch, H.: Technische Fluidmechanik. Springer Vieweg Verlag. [6] Surek, D.; Stempin, S.: Angewandte Strömungsmechanik. Teubner Verlag.
- Applicability in study programs
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor)
- Mechanical Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)
- Mechanical Engineering in Practical Networks
- Mechanical Engineering in Practical Networks B.Sc. (01.03.2026)
- Aircraft and Flight Engineering
- Aircraft and Flight Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)
- Automotive Engineering (Bachelor)
- Automotive Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)
- Person responsible for the module
- Schmidt, Ralf-Gunther
- Teachers
- Schmidt, Ralf-Gunther