Unit information: Dynamics of Rotors in 2020/21

Unit name	Dynamics of Rotors
Unit code	AENGM0004
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Brano Titurus
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	AENG 21301 Vibrations 2, AENG 21100 Aerodynamics 2 for undergraduates. MSc students equivalent material to the prerequisites shown above in their first degree
Co-requisites	none
School/department	Department of Aerospace Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of the dynamics of elastic blades and rotors in the context of helicopter and wind turbine technologies. Students will be shown mixture of analytical, numerical and experimental methods for rotor and blade analyses.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit the student will be able to:

1. Explain and use key terminology, parameters and operational principles used in rotors with focus on dynamics problems,
2. Formulate equations of motion of rotating blades, extract essential dynamic properties and understand their significance during design and development,
3. Use and modify selected advanced Modal Analysis methods to interpret and solve rotor dynamics problems, be able to use the blade element theory to formulate rotor blade aeroelastic problems and appreciate corresponding changes in structural responses and stability,
4. Explain the origins of rotor loads, load filtering effect and their influence on the dynamic rotor design,
5. Summarize the current vibration and load control research trends in helicopter and wind turbine technology sectors.

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, which may include lectures, practical activities supported by drop-in sessions, problem sheets and self-directed exercises.

Assessment Information

100% January timed assessment

Reading and References

Newman, S., The Foundations of Helicopter Flight, Butterworth-Heinemann, 1994; Bramwell, A.R.S., Done, G., Balmford, D., Bramwell's Helicopter Dynamics, 2nd ed., Butterworth-Heinemann, 2001; Spera, D.A., ed., Wind turbine technology: fundamental concepts of wind turbine engineering, ASME Press, 2009