Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology

Thiruvananthapuram

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics

Curriculum and Syllabus
(Effective from 2019 Admission)

Department of Aerospace Engineering

 Program Educational Objectives (PEO)
1. To establish strong foundations of fundamental knowledge with analytical and experiment skills
in Aerospace Engineering.

2. To cultivate the practice of independent academic research along with innovation in aerody-
namics and flight mechanics.

3. To promote academic research based on the contemporary technological needs of the industry
and society.

4. To inculcate the process to be effective in technical communication and work as team.

Program Outcomes (PO)

1. An ability to independently carry out research /investigation and development work to solve
practical problems.

2. An ability to write and present a substantial technical report/document.

3. Students should be able to demonstrate a degree of mastery over the area as per the special-
ization of the program.

4. Capability to Innovate, design and analyze components related to aerospace engineering. Abil-
ity to perform multidisciplinary analysis involving aerodynamics, flight dynamics and control
design for aerospace applications.

5. Ability to perform experimental and numerical simulations for modeling of aerospace systems.

6. Guidance to upkeep professional ethics in all scientific and engineering practices.

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 2

 SEMESTER I

CODE TITLE . L T P C
AE601 Mathematical Methods in Aerospace Engg. 3 0 0 3
AE602 Compressible Flow 3 0 0 3
AE611 Aerodynamics 3 0 0 3
AE612 Atmospheric Flight Mechanics 3 0 0 3
AE613 Spaceflight Mechanics 3 0 0 3
E01 Elective I 3 0 0 3
Total 18 0 0 18

SEMESTER II

CODE TITLE . L T P C
AE614 Flight Dynamics and Control 3 0 0 3
E02 Elective II 3 0 0 3
E03 Elective III 3 0 0 3
E04 Elective IV 3 0 0 3
E05 Elective V 3 0 0 3
AE801 Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Lab 0 0 6 2
Total 15 0 6 17

SEMESTER III
CODE TITLE . L T P C
AE851 Seminar 0 0 0 1
AE852 Project Work – Phase I 0 0 0 17
Total 0 0 0 18

SEMESTER IV
CODE TITLE . L T P C
AE852 Project Work – Phase II 0 0 0 17

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 3

 LIST OF ELECTIVES

CODE TITLE .
AE701 Linear Algebra and Perturbation Methods
AE702 Numerical Methods for Scientific Computing
AE711 Experimental Aerodynamics
AE712 Aeroacoustics
AE713 Hypersonic Aerothermodynamics
AE714 Turbulence in Fluid Flows
AE715 Computational Methods for Compressible Flows
AE716 Navigation Guidance and Control
AE717 Optimal Control Theory
AE718 Space Mission Design
AE719 High Temperature Gas Dynamics
AE720 Multidisciplinary Design Optimization
AE721 Boundary Layer Theory
AE722 Introduction to Flow Instability
AE723 Applied Aerodynamics
AE724 Modern Aircraft Control Design
AE725 Modeling and Simulation of Aerospace Vehicles

Note: Electives from other streams may also be credited after approval

SEMESTER–WISE CREDITS

Semester I II III IV Total

Credits 18 17 18 17 70

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 4

 SEMESTER I

AE601 MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Review of Ordinary Differential Equations: analytical methods, stability – Fourier series, orthog-
onal functions, Fourier integrals, Fourier transform – Partial Differential Equations: first-order
PDEs, method of characteristics, linear advection equation, Burgers’ equation, shock formation,
Rankine-Hogoniot jump condition; classification, canonical forms; Laplace equation, min-max prin-
ciple, cylindrical coordinates; heat equation, method of separation of variables, similarity transforma-
tion method; wave equation, d’Alembert solution – Calculus of Variations: standard variational prob-
lems, Euler-Lagrange equation and its applications, isoperimetric problems, Rayleigh-Ritz method,
Hamilton’s principle of least action.

References:

1. Brown, J. W. and Churchill, R. V., Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems, 8th ed.,
McGraw-Hill, (2012).
2. Bleecker, D. D. and Csordas, G., Basic Partial Differential Equations, Van Nostrand Reinhold
(1992).
3. Myint-U, T. and Debnath, L., Linear Partial Differential Equations for Scientists and Engi-
neers, 4th ed., Birkhauser (2006).
4. Strauss, W. A., Partial Differential Equations: An Introduction, 2nd ed., John Wiley (2008).
5. Kot, M., A First Course in the Calculus of Variations, American Math Society (2014).
6. Gelfand, I. M. and Fomin, S. V., Calculus of Variations, Prentice Hall (1963).
7. Arfken, G. B., Weber, H. J., and Harris, F. E., Mathematical Methods for Physicists, 7th ed.,
Academic Press (2012).
8. Greenberg, M. D., Advanced Engineering Mathematics, 2nd ed., Pearson (1998).

Course Outcomes (COs):

CO1: Develop a general understanding of linear algebra in terms of vector spaces and its appli-
cation to differential equations and Fourier analysis.
CO2: Ability to use Fourier analysis techniques for solving PDE and for signal analysis.
CO3: Formulate physical problems in terms of ODE/PDE and obtain analytical solutions.
CO4: Use commercial/open-source math packages for solving ODE and performing signal analysis.

AE602 COMPRESSIBLE FLOW (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

1-D Gas Dynamics: governing equations – isentropic flow with area change, area-Mach number re-
lations – R-H equations – normal shocks. 1-D Wave Motion: wave propagation – simple and finite
waves – Reimann shock tube problem – 2-D waves, governing equations – oblique shocks, charts,
shock polar and pressure deflection diagrams – Prandtl–Meyer expansion waves – reflection and
interaction of waves – supersonic free jets. Linearized Flow: subsonic flow – Goethert’s and Prandtl-
Glauert rules – hodograph methods – supersonic flow – supersonic thin airfoils – 2-D airfoils – method
of characteristics, the compatibility equation – applications, supersonic nozzle design – generalised
one-dimensional flow: working equations – influence coefficients – combined friction and heat transfer

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 5

– combined friction and area change – conditions at sonic point – transonic flow – measurements in
compressible flows.

References:

1. Shapiro, A. H., Dynamics and Thermodynamics of Compressible Fluid Flow, Vol. 1 & 2, Wiley
& Sons (1953).
2. Liepmann, H. W. and Roshko, A., Elements of Gasdynamics, Dover Publications (2001).
3. Thompson, P. A., Compressible Fluid Dynamics, McGraw-Hill (1972).
4. Saad, M. A., Compressible Fluid Flow, 2nd ed., Prentice Hall (1993).
5. John, J. E. A. and Keith, T., Gas Dynamics, 3rd ed., Prentice Hall (2006).
6. Rathakrishnan, E., Gas Dynamics, 2nd ed., Prentice Hall (2009).

Course Outcomes (COs):

CO1: A clear understanding of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics of high-speed flows.
CO2: A clear perspective of the physics of various high-speed flow physics.
CO3: Capability to perform numerical examples-oriented tutorial/assignments in various high-
speed flow physics.
CO4: Analysis and estimates of one dimensional flow situations.
CO5: Analysis and synthesis of isentropic flow with area change, normal shocks, Fanno flow and
Rayleigh flow.
CO6: Analysis and synthesis of isentropic flow with normal/oblique shocks and expansion waves
in propulsion systems.
CO7: Perform experiment/simulation/theoretical analysis of practical applications are envisaged
through curse project.

AE611 AERODYNAMICS (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Introduction to tensors – Kinematics – Governing equations – Kelvin’s theorem – Potential flow –

Uniqueness and Kutta condition – Foundations of panel methods – Airfoils – Thin Airfoil Theory:
Forces and moments on airfoil, flaps – Finite Wings: Prandtl lifting line theory, Induced drag, El-
liptic lift distribution – 3D panel methods – Viscous Incompressible Flows: Prandtl boundary layer
equation, Similarity solutions, Flow separation and stall – Introduction to turbulence – Turbulent
boundary layer – Viscous-inviscid coupling – High lift devices – Swept wing – Delta wing.

References:

1. Anderson, J. D., Fundamentals of Aerodynamics, 5th ed., McGraw-Hill (2010).

2. Kuethe, A. M. and Chow, C.-Y., Foundations of Aerodynamics, 5th ed., John Wiley (1997).
3. Katz, J. and Poltkin, A., Low-Speed Aerodynamics, 2nd ed., Cambridge Univ. Press (2001).
4. Kundu, P. K., Cohen, I. M., and Dowling, D. R., Fluid Mechanics, 5th ed., Academic Press
(2011).
5. White, F. M., Viscous Fluid Flow, 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill (2006).
6. Schlichting, H. and Gersten, K., Boundary Layer Theory, 8th ed., Springer (2001).
7. Karamcheti, K., Principles of Ideal-Fluid Aerodynamics, 2nd ed., Krieger Pub. Co. (1980).

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 6

Course Outcomes (COs):
CO1: Identify and formulate the correct set of assumptions and boundary conditions for aerody-
namic force calculations for incompressible flow.
CO2: Apply analytical methods based on potential flow theory to estimate the aerodynamic force
on finite wings in incompressible flow.
CO3: Develop numerical algorithms based on panel methods for aerodynamic analysis of simple
configurations.
CO4: Use boundary layer theory to estimate viscous drag on simple configurations and apply
corrections to potential flow based methods.

AE612 ATMOSPHERIC FLIGHT MECHANICS (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Overview of aerodynamics – propulsion – atmosphere and aircraft instrumentation – Aircraft Perfor-

mance: range, endurance, gliding, climbing flight, pull-up, pulldown, take-off, landing, accelerating
climb, turning flight, V-n diagrams – optimal cruise trajectories – Static Stability & Control: frames
of reference (body axis, wind axis) static longitudinal, directional, lateral stability and control, stick
fixed and stick free stability, hinge moments, trim-tabs, aerodynamic balancing.

References:
1. Anderson, J. D., Aircraft Performance and Design, Tata McGraw-Hill (1998).
2. Nelson, R. C., Flight Stability and Automatic Control, 2nd ed., Tata McGraw-Hill (1997).
3. Phillips, W. F., Mechanics of Flight, 2nd ed., John Wiley (2010).
4. Hull, D. G., Fundamentals of Airplane Flight Mechanics, Springer (2010).
5. Perkins, C. D. and Hage, R. E., Airplane Performance Stability and Control, John Wiley (1949).
6. McCormick, B. W., Aerodynamics, Aeronautics, and Flight Dynamics, 2nd ed., Wiley (1994).
7. Etkin, B. and Reid, L. D., Dynamics of Flight: Stability and Control, 3rd ed., Wiley (1996).
8. Smetana, F. O., Flight Vehicle Performance and Aerodynamic Control, 3rd ed., AIAA (2001).

Course Outcomes (COs):

CO1: Formulate the equations of motion for aircraft in various flight phases under equilibrium
conditions with appropriate assumptions.
CO2: Define and derive the performance and stability attributes of aircraft in terms of the design
variables for both jet and propeller propulsion units.
CO3: Develop the competency to evaluate out the performance and stability characteristics of
any given aircraft.
CO4: Identify and evaluate the aircraft design parameters.

AE613 SPACEFLIGHT MECHANICS (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Dynamics of Particles: reference frames and rotations, energy, angular momentum – Two Body
Motion: equations of motion, Kepler laws, solution to two-body problem, conics and relations, vis-
viva equation, Kepler equation, orbital elements – orbit determination: Lambert problem, satellite
tracking, different methods of solution to Lambert problem – Non-Keplerian Motion: perturbing
acceleration-earth aspherical potential, oblateness, third body effects, atmospheric drag effects, ap-
plication of perturbations – Orbit Maneuvers: Hohmann transfer, inclination change maneuvers,

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 7

combined maneuvers, bi-elliptic maneuvers – Lunar/Interplanetary Trajectories: sphere of influence,
methods of trajectory design, restricted three body problem, Lagrangian points – Rigid Body Dy-
namics: attitude control of spinning and non-spinning spacecrafts.

References:

1. Howard, D. C., Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students, 2nd ed., Elsevier (2004).
2. Chobotov, V. A., Orbital Mechanics, 3rd ed., AIAA (2002).
3. Weisel, W. E., Spaceflight Dynamics, 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill (2010).
4. Brown, C. D., Spacecraft Mission Design, 2nd ed., AIAA (1998).
5. Escobal, P. R., Methods of Orbit Determination, Krieger Pub. Co. (1976).
6. Tewari, A., Atmospheric and Spaceflight Dynamics: Modeling and Simulation with MATLAB
and Simulink, Birkhauser (2007).

Course Outcomes (COs):

CO1: Apply the basic conservation laws and concepts of orbital mechanics for problem solving.
CO2: Design, evaluate and select required orbits for spacecrafts around earth.
CO3: Evaluate and determine suitable orbital transfers needed for space mission design.

E01 ELECTIVE I (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

ˆ Refer list of electives

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 8

 SEMESTER II
AE614 FLIGHT DYNAMICS AND CONTROL (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Equations of Motion: rigid body dynamics, coordinate transformation, Euler angle & quaternion
formulation – Dynamics of Generic Fixed Wing Aircraft: 6-DoF equations of motion, linearized
equations of motion, linearised longitudinal & lateral equations, aerodynamic derivatives – LTI sys-
tem basics – Stability of Uncontrolled Motion: linearized longitudinal & lateral dynamics, modes of
motion – Response to Control Inputs: transfer function, step response & frequency response charac-
teristics – Feedback Control: stability augmentation, PID control, root-locus technique for controller
design – Introduction to modern control theory.

References:
1. Etkin, B. and Reid, L. D., Dynamics of Flight: Stability and Control, 3rd ed., Wiley (1996).
2. Phillips, W. F., Mechanics of Flight, 2nd ed., John Wiley (2009).
3. Nelson, R. C., Flight Stability and Automatic Control, 2nd ed., Tata McGraw-Hill (1997).
4. Cook, M., Flight Dynamics Principles: A Linear Systems Approach to Aircraft Stability and
Control, 3rd ed., Elsevier (2012).
5. Stevens, B. L. and Lewis, F. L., Aircraft Control and Simulation, 2nd ed., Wiley (2003).
6. Stengel, R. F., Flight Dynamics, Princeton Univ. Press (2004).

Course Outcomes (COs):

CO1: Formulate the 6 DOF nonlinear and linearized equations of a conventional aircraft in flight
about the equilibrium states.
CO2: Develop the competency to infer the stability and control derivatives of any given aircraft.
CO3: Deduce and analyze the longitudinal and lateral-directional modes.
CO4: Assess the handling qualities of a conventional aircraft.
CO5: Derive the transfer functions for aircraft motion for different control inputs.
CO6: Implement stability augmentation system and Autopilot for a conventional aircraft the
using classical and modern control techniques.

E02 ELECTIVE II (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

ˆ Refer list of electives

E03 ELECTIVE III (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

ˆ Refer list of electives

E04 ELECTIVE IV (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

ˆ Refer list of electives

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 9

E05 ELECTIVE V (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

ˆ Refer list of electives

AE801 AERODYNAMICS AND FLIGHT MECHANICS LAB (0 – 0 – 6) 2 Credits

Basic Experiments in Low Speed Wind Tunnels – Measurement of Aerodynamic Forces and Moments
– Measurements of Pressure and Velocity – Flow Visualisation Techniques – Transient Flows: Shock
Waves, Detonation – Experiments in Supersonic Flows – Optical Flow Visualisation Methods –
Measurement of Flow Generated Sound.
Study of Pull Up - Pull Down Maneuver – Flight Simulator – Flight Controls of a Helicopter –
Propeller Performance Testing – Measurement of Performance Parameters in Flight.
Course Outcomes (COs):
CO1: Explain the principles of aerodynamics and flight mechanics experiments.
CO2: Evaluate and select appropriate experimental techniques to understand the physics.
CO3: Collaborative with colleagues to perform aerodynamics and flight mechanics experiments.
CO4: Post processing and analyzing of experimental data.
CO5: Collaborative with colleagues to disseminate the findings in the form of reports and presen-
tations.

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 10

 SEMESTER III

AE851 SEMINAR (0 – 0 – 0) 1 Credit

AE852 PROJECT WORK — PHASE I (0 – 0 – 0) 17 Credits

SEMESTER IV

AE852 PROJECT WORK — PHASE II (0 – 0 – 0) 17 Credits

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 11

 Electives

AE701 LINEAR ALGEBRA AND PERTURBATION METHODS (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Vector Space, norm, and angle – linear independence and orthonormal sets – row reduction and
echelon forms, matrix operations, including inverses – effect of round-off error, operation counts –
block/banded matrices arising from discretization of differential equations – linear dependence and
independence – subspaces and bases and dimensions – orthogonal bases and orthogonal projections
– Gram-Schmidt process – linear models and least-squares problems – eigenvalues and eigenvectors
– diagonalization of a matrix – symmetric matrices – positive definite matrices – similar matrices –
linear transformations and change of basis – singular value decomposition.
Introduction to perturbation techniques – asymptotic approximations, algebraic equations – regular
and singular perturbation methods – application to differential equations – methods of strained co-
ordinates for periodic solutions – Poincaré–Lindstedt method.

References:

1. Strang, G., Introduction to Linear Algebra, 4th ed., Cambridge Univ. Press (2011).
2. Strang, G., Linear Algebra and its Applications, 4th ed., Cengage Learning (2007).
3. Lang, S., Linear Algebra, 2nd ed., Springer (2004).
4. Golub, G. H. and Van Loan, C. F., Matrix Computations, 4th ed., Hindustan Book Agency
(2015).
5. Nayfe, A. H., Introduction to Perturbation Techniques, Wiley-VCH (1993).
6. Bender, C. M. and Orszag, S. A., Advanced Mathematical Methods for Scientists and Engineers:
Asymptotic Methods and Perturbation Theory, Springer (1999).

AE702 NUMERICAL METHODS FOR SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Mathematical review and computer arithmetic – numbers and errors; Nonlinear equations; Direct
methods for linear systems; Iterative Methods for Linear Systems; Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors –
power method, inverse power method, QR method; Approximation Theory – norms, orthogonaliza-
tion, polynomial approximation, piecewise polynomial approximation, trigonometric approximation,
rational approximation, wavelet bases; Numerical Differentiation; Numerical Integration- Romberg
Integration, Gauss Quadrature, Adaptive Quadrature; Numerical Ordinary Differential Equations
– single step and multi-step methods, Runge-Kutta method, predictor corrector method, stiffness,
stability, shooting methods; Introduction to parallel programming system architectures, shared and
distributed memory programming, performance.

References:

1. John, A. T., Scientific Computing- Vol I, II, III, Springer, (2010).

2. Parviz, M., Fundamentals of Engineering Numerical Analysis, Cambridge, (2010).
3. Steven, C. C, Applied Numerical Methods, McGraw Hill, (2012).
4. Walter, G., Martin, J. G., Felix K., Scientific Computing, Springer, (2010).

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 12

 5. A.S. Ackleh, E.J. Allen, R.B. Hearfott, P. Seshiyer, Modern Numerical Analysis, CRC, (2009).
6. A. Gilat, V. Subramaniam, Numerical Methods for Engineers and Scientists, Wiley, (2014).

AE711 EXPERIMENTAL AERODYNAMICS (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Concept of similarity and design of experiments – Measurement uncertainty – Design of subsonic,

transonic, supersonic, hypersonic, and high enthalpy test facilities – Transducers and their response
characteristics – Measurement of pressure, temperature, velocity, forces, moments, and dynamic sta-
bility derivatives – Flow visualization techniques: Optical measurement techniques, refractive index
based measurements, scattering based measurements – Data acquisition and signal conditioning –
Signal and image processing.

References:

1. Tropea, C., Yarin, A. L., and Foss, J. F. (Eds.), Springer Handbook of Experimental Fluid
Mechanics, Springer (2007).
2. Taylor, J. R., Introduction to Error Analysis: The Study of Uncertainties in Physical Measure-
ments, 2nd ed., University Science Books (1997).
3. Barlow, J. B., Rae Jr, W. H., and Pope A., Low-Speed Wind Tunnel Testing, 3rd ed., Wiley
(1999).
4. Pope, A. and Goin, K., High-Speed Wind Tunnel Testing, Krieger Pub. Co. (1972).
5. Settles, G., Schlieren and Shadowgraph Techniques, 3rd ed., Springer (2001).
6. Mayinger, F. and Feldmann, O. (Eds.), Optical Measurements: Techniques and Applications,
2nd ed., Springer (2001).
7. Doeblin, E. O., Measurement Systems: Applications and Design, 5th ed., McGraw-Hill (2003).

AE712 AEROACOUSTICS (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Basics of acoustics – General theory of aerodynamic sound – Flow and acoustic interactions – Feed-
back phenomenon – Supersonic jet noise – Sonic boom – Noise radiation from rotors and fans –
Aeroacoustic measurements.

References:

1. Pierce, A. D., Acoustics: An Introduction to Its Physical Principles and Applications, Acoustical
Society of America (1989).
2. Dowling, A. P. and Ffowcs Williams, J. E., Sound and Sources of Sound, Ellis Horwood (1983).
3. Goldstein, M. E., Aeroacoustics, McGraw-Hill (1976).
4. Blake, W. K., Mechanics of Flow-Induced Sound and Vibration, Volume I and II, Academic
Press (1986).
5. Crighton, D. G., Dowling, A. P., Ffowcs Williams, J. E., Heckl, M. A., and Leppington, F. A.,
Modern Methods in Analytical Acoustics: Lecture Notes, Springer-Verlag (1992).

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 13

AE713 HYPERSONIC AEROTHERMODYNAMICS (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Introduction to Hypersonic Flows – Inviscid Hypersonic Flow: Newtonian flow, Mach number inde-
pendence, Hypersonic similarity, Blast wave theory, Hypersonic small disturbance theory, Stagnation
region flow – Viscous Hypersonic Flow: Similarity parameters, Self-similar solutions, Hypersonic tur-
bulent boundary layer, Reference temperature method, Stagnation region flow field, Viscous interac-
tions – Real Gas effects: Inviscid equilibrium and non-equilibrium flows, Viscous high temperature
flows – Experimental facilities – Hypersonic design considerations.

References:
1. Anderson, J. D., Hypersonic and High-Temperature Gas Dynamics, 2nd ed., AIAA (2000).
2. Rasmussen, M., Hypersonic Flow, Wiley (1994).
3. Bertin, J. J., Hypersonic Aerothermodynamics, AIAA (1994).
4. Hirschel, E. H., Basics of Aerothermodynamics, Springer (2005).
5. Hirschel, E. H., Selected Aerothermodynamic Design Problems of Hypersonic Vehicles, Springer
(2009).

AE714 TURBULENCE IN FLUID FLOWS (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Introduction to turbulence – Equations of fluid motion – Statistical description of turbulent flows –

Mean-flow equations – Space and time scales of turbulent motion – Jets, wakes and boundary layers –
Coherent structures – Spectral dynamics – Homogeneous and isotropic turbulence – Two-dimensional
turbulence – Coherent structures – Vorticity dynamics – Intermittency – Modeling of turbulent flows.

References:
1. Tennekes, H. and Lumley, J. L., A First Course in Turbulence, The MIT Press (1972).
2. Frisch, U., Turbulence, Cambridge Univ. Press (1996).
3. Davidson, P. A., Turbulence: An Introduction to Scientist and Engineers, Oxford Univ. Press
(2004).
4. Pope, S. B., Turbulent Flows, Cambridge Univ. Press (2000).
5. Mathieu, J. and Scott, J., An Introduction to Turbulent Flow, Cambridge Univ. Press (2000).
6. Lesieur, M., Turbulence in Fluids, 2nd ed., Springer (2008).
7. Monin, A. S. and Yaglom, A. M., Statistical Fluid Mechanics, Dover (2007).
8. McComb, W. D., The Physics of Fluid Turbulence, Oxford Univ. Press (1992).

AE715 COMPUTATIONAL METHODS FOR COMPRESSIBLE FLOWS (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Basic equations – Hierarchy of mathematical models – Mathematical nature of flow equations and
boundary conditions – Finite difference and finite volume methods – Analysis of Schemes: Numerical
errors, stability, numerical dissipation – Grid generation – Wave equation – Numerical Solution of
Compressible Euler Equation: Discontinuities and entropy, mathematical properties of Euler equa-
tion – Reconstruction-evolution – Upwind methods – Boundary conditions – Numerical solution of

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 14

compressible Navier-Stokes equations – Turbulence Modeling: RANS, LES, DNS – Higher-order
methods – Uncertainty in CFD: Validation and verification.

References:

1. Hirsch, C., Numerical Computation of Internal and External Flows, Vol. I & II, Wiley (1998).
2. Laney, C. B., Computational Gasdynamics, Cambridge Univ. Press (1998).
3. LeVeque, R. J., Numerical Methods for Conservation Laws, 2nd ed., Birkhauser (2005).
4. Hoffmann, K. A. and Chiang, S. T., Computational Fluid Dynamics for Engineers, Vol. I, II
& III, Engineering Education Systems (2000).
5. Toro, E. F., Riemann Solvers and Numerical Methods for Fluid Dynamics: A Practical Intro-
duction, 3rd ed., Springer (2009).
6. Blazek, J., Computational Fluid Dynamics: Principles and Applications, 2nd ed., Elsevier
(2006).
7. Roache, P. J., Fundamentals of Verification and Validation, Hermosa Publishers (2009).

Course Outcomes (COs):

CO1: Discretize a partial differential equation (PDE), and recognize the type of PDE.
CO2: Formulate finite-difference and finite-volume schemes of the necessary order (spatial and
temporal discretization).
CO3: Choose the finite-difference/finite-volume method and the number of boundary conditions
based on the type of PDE.
CO4: Understand the various discretization errors and their implications for the outcome.
CO5: Learn about iterative procedures and error damping using iterative strategies.
CO6: Develop conventional second-order finite-volume algorithms using limiters.
CO7: Use advanced CFD tools to evaluate complex fluid-flow systems.

AE716 NAVIGATION GUIDANCE AND CONTROL (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Principles of Inertial Navigation: Components, two-dimensional navigation – Coordinate systems –

3D strapdown navigation system – Strapdown system mechanizations – Attitude representation –
Navigation equations expressed in component form – Effects of elliptic earth – Inertial Sensors: Gy-
roscope principles, single-axis rate gyroscope, accelerometers, rate integrating gyroscope – Elements
of guidance system – Guidance phases – Guidance trajectories – Guidance sensors – Classification of
Guidance and Navigation Systems: Basic navigation systems, combined navigation systems – Clas-
sification of guidance systems – Three-point tactical guidance laws – Two-point Tactical Guidance
Laws: Strategic guidance laws, UAVs guidance laws – Control systems-classical linear time invariant
control systems – Transfer function representations – Stability – Time domain characteristics – PID
controller design for aerospace systems – Frequency domain characteristics – Root locus – Nyquist
and Bode plots and their application to controller design for aerospace systems.

References:

1. Zarchan, P., Tactical and Strategic Missile Guidance, 4th ed., AIAA (2002).
2. Siouris, G. M., Missile Guidance and Control Systems, AIAA (2004).
3. Titterton, D. H. and Weston, J. L., Strapdown Inertial Navigation Technology, AIAA (2004).

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 15

 4. Rogers, R. M., Applied Mathematics in Integrated Navigation Systems, 2nd ed., AIAA (2003).
5. Nise, N. S., Control Systems Engineering, Wiley India (2004).
6. Friedland, B., Control System Design, Dover (2005).

AE717 OPTIMAL CONTROL THEORY (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Problem formulation – Performance measures – Selection of performance measures – Dynamics

programming – Optimal control law – Application to a routing problem – Recurrence relations –
Computational procedures – Alternative approach through Hamiltonial-Jacobi-Bellman equation –
Review of Calculus of Variations: Functionals involving several independent functions – Constrained
minimization of functional – Optimal control: Variational approach – Necessary condition for opti-
mal control – Pontryagin’s minimum principle – Additional necessary conditions – Minimum time
problems – Optimal control switches (bangbang control) – Numerical techniques for the solution of
optimal control problem – Two point boundary value problem.

References:

1. Kirk, D. E., Optimal Control Theory: An Introduction, Dover (1998).

2. Bryson Jr., A. E. and Ho, Y.-C., Applied Optimal Control: Optimization, Estimation, and
Control, Taylor & Francis (1975).
3. Subchan, S. and Zbikowski, R., Computational Optimal Control: Tools and Practice, Wiley
(2009).
4. Naidu, D. S., Optimal Control Systems, CRC Press (2002).

AE718 SPACE MISSION DESIGN (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Launch vehicle ascent trajectory design – Reentry trajectory design – Low thrust trajectory design
– Satellite constellation design – Rendezvous mission design – Ballistic lunar and interplanetary
trajectory design – Basics of optimal control theory – Mission design elements for various missions
– Space flight trajectory optimization – Direct and indirect optimization techniques – Restricted
3-body problem – Lagrangian points – Mission design to Lagrangian point.

References:

1. Osborne, G. F. and Ball, K. J., Space Vehicle Dynamics, Oxford Univ. Press (1967).
2. Hale, F. J., Introduction to Space Flight, Prentice Hall (1994).
3. Naidu, D. S., Optimal Control Systems, CRC Press (2002).
4. Chobotov, V., Orbital Mechanics, AIAA (2002).
5. Griffin, M. D. and French, J. R., Space Vehicle Design, 2nd ed., AIAA (2004).
6. Kirk, D. E., Optimal Control Theory: An Introduction, Dover (1998).

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 16

AE719 HIGH TEMPERATURE GAS DYNAMICS (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

General features and applications of high temperature flows – Equilibrium Kinetic Theory: Maxwellian
distribution, collision rates and mean free path – Chemical thermodynamics – Mixture of perfect
gases, law of mass action – Statistical Mechanics: Enumeration of micro-states, energy distribution,
contribution of internal structure – Equilibrium Flow: Ideal dissociating gas, equilibrium shock wave
relations, nozzle flows – Vibrational and chemical rate processes – Flows with vibrational and chem-
ical non-equilibrium.

References:

1. Vincenti, W. G. and Kruger, C. H., Introduction to Physical Gas Dynamics, Krieger Pub. Co.
(1975).
2. Anderson, J. D., Hypersonic and High-Temperature Gas Dynamics, 2nd ed., AIAA (2006).
3. Clarke, J. F. and McChesney, M., The Dynamics of Real Gases, Butterworths (1964).
4. Brun, R., Introduction to Reactive Gas Dynamics, Oxford Univ. Press (2009).

Course Outcomes (COs):

CO1: Develop thermodynamic models for simple equilibrium and non equilibrium reacting gas
mixtures.
CO2: Analyse 1D/Quasi 1D gas dynamic problems using equilibrium and simple thermo-chemical
non-equilibrium air models.
CO3: Solve simple practically relevant high temperature equilibrium/non-equilibrium flows using
appropriate scientific computing tools.
CO4: Devise methods for generating high enthalpy flows using ground test facilities for hypersonic
flow simulation.

AE720 MULTIDISCIPLINARY DESIGN OPTIMIZATION (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO): Need and importance – Coupled systems – Analyser
vs. evaluator – Single vs. bi-level optimisation – Nested vs. simultaneous analysis/design – MDO
architectures – Concurrent subspace, collaborative optimisation and BLISS – Sensitivity analysis –
AD (forward and reverse mode) – Complex variable and hyperdual numbers – Gradient and Hes-
sian – Uncertainty quantification – Moment methods – PDF and CDF – Uncertainty propagation –
Monte Carlo methods – Surrogate modelling – Design of experiments – Robust, reliability based and
multi-point optimisation formulations.

References:

1. Keane, A. J. and Nair, P. B., Computational Approaches for Aerospace Design: The Pursuit
of Excellence, Wiley (2005).
2. Khuri, A. I. and Cornell, J. A., Response Surfaces: Design and Analyses, 2nd ed., Marcel
Dekker (1996).
3. Montgomery, D. C., Design and Analysis of Experiments, 8th ed., John Wiley (2012).
4. Griewank, A. and Walther, A., Evaluating Derivatives: Principles and Techniques of Algorith-
mic Differentiation, 2nd ed., SIAM (2008).

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 17

 5. Forrester, A., Sobester, A., and Keane, A., Engineering Design via Surrogate Modelling: A
Practical Guide, Wiley (2008).

Course Outcomes (COs):

CO1: Convert complex design requirements to an optimisation problem statement.
CO2: Apply and analyse gradient and non-gradient optimisation algorithms for problem solution.
CO3: Create surrogate models to replace expensive analysis modules.
CO4: Solve optimisation problems under uncertainty.
CO5: Solve multi-objective optimisation problems.

AE721 BOUNDARY LAYER THEORY (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Governing equations for viscous fluid flow – Heat conduction and compressibility – Exact solutions
– Laminar boundary layer approximations – Similar and nonsimilar boundary layers – Momentum
integral methods – Separation of boundary layer – Compressible boundary layer equations – Recov-
ery factor – Reynolds analogy – Similar solutions – Stability of boundary layer flows: Transition
prediction and bypass transition – Turbulent Flows: Phenomenological theories – Reynolds stress –
Turbulent boundary layer – Momentum integral methods – Turbulent free shear layer – Flow sepa-
ration.

References:

1. Schlichting, H. and Gersten, K., Boundary Layer Theory, 8th ed., McGraw-Hill (2001).
2. Batchelor, G. K., Introduction to Fluid Dynamics, 2nd ed., Cambridge Univ. Press (2000).
3. White, F. M., Viscous Fluid Flow, 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill (2006).
4. Pope, S. B., Turbulent Flows, Cambridge Univ. Press (2000).
5. Panton, R. L., Incompressible Flow, 4th ed., Wiley (2013).
6. Kundu, P. K., Cohen, I. M., and Dowling, D. R., Fluid Mechanics, 6th ed., Academic Press
(2015).

Course Outcomes (COs):

CO1: Apply relevant approximations in governing equations suitable for a particular problem to
understand the flow physics.
CO2: Apply concepts from the boundary layer theory to compute and /or understand the drag
and heat transfer in laminar flows.
CO3: Apply concepts from the statistical description of turbulence to understand the flow char-
acteristics.
CO4: Able to compute numerical solutions for boundary layer equations.
CO5: Analyse the results from analytical and numerical solutions and disseminate the findings in
the form of reports.

AE722 INTRODUCTION TO FLOW INSTABILITY (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Introduction to stability – Review of dynamical systems concepts – Instabilities of fluids at rest –

Stability of open shear flows: Inviscid and viscous theory, spatio-temporal stability analysis (absolute
and convective instabilities) – Parabolized stability equation – Transient growth – Introduction to

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 18

global instabilities.

References:

1. Charru, F., Hydrodynamic Instabilities, Cambridge Univ. Press (2011).

2. Drazin, P. G., Introduction to Hydrodynamic Stability, Cambridge Univ. Press (2002).
3. Drazin, P. G. and Reid, W. H., Hydrodynamic Stability, 2nd ed., CUP (2004).
4. Criminale, W. O., Jackson, T. L., and Joslin, R. D., Theory and Computation of Hydrodynamic
Stability, Cambridge Univ. Press (2003).
5. Schmid, P. J. and Henningson, D. S., Stability and Transition in Shear Flows, Springer (2001).
6. Sengupta, T. K., The Instabilities of Flows and Transition to Turbulence, CRC Press (2012).

AE723 APPLIED AERODYNAMICS (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Panel methods – Unsteady potential flows – Compressible flow over wings – Axisymmetric flows and
slender body theories – Boundary layer analysis – Viscous-inviscid coupling – Flight vehicle aerody-
namics – Rotor aerodynamics – Low Reynolds number aerodynamics – Flapping wings – Two- and
three-dimensional flow separation.

References:

1. Drela, M., Flight Vehicle Aerodynamics, MIT Press (2014).

2. Rom, J., High Angle of Attack Aerodynamics, Springer (1992).
3. Shyy, W., Aono, H., Kang, C.-K., and Liu, H., An Introduction to Flapping Wing Aerodynamics,
Cambridge Univ. Press (2013).
4. Chattot, J. J. and Hafez, M. M., Theoretical and Applied Aerodynamics, Springer (2015).
5. Bisplinghoff, R. L., Ashley, H., and Halfman, R. L., Aeroelasticity, Dover (1996).
6. Telionis, D. P., Unsteady Viscous Flows, Springer (2012).

AE724 MODERN AIRCRAFT CONTROL DESIGN (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Fundamentals of matrix algebra and vector spaces – Solution of simultaneous equations for square,
under-determined, and over-determined systems – Concepts of basis vector transformations – Sim-
ilarity and adjoint transformations – Eigenvalues and eigenvectors – Jordan form – Characteristic
equation – Analytic functions of square matrices and Cayley-Hamilton theorem – Concepts of state,
state-space, state-vector – Methods for obtaining the system mathematical model in the state-space
form – State-space Form for Aerospace Systems: Aircraft dynamics, missile dynamics, inertial navi-
gation system – Solution of homogeneous state equations – Concept of fundamental matrix and state
transition matrix – Methods for evaluating state transition matrix – Solution of nonhomogeneous
equations – Phase variable and Jordan canonical forms – Controllability and observability of the
systems, pole placement design with full state feedback – Introduction to optimal control.

References:

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 19

 1. Friedland, B., Control System Design: An Introduction to State-Space Methods, McGraw-Hill
(1987).
2. Dazzo, J. J. and Houpis, C. H., Linear Control System Analysis and Design: Conventional and
Modern, McGraw-Hill (1995).
3. Etkin, B., Dynamics of Atmospheric Flight, Dover (2005).

AE725 MODELING AND SIMULATION OF AEROSPACE VEHICLES (3 – 0 – 0) 3 Credits

Introduction: Simulation classification – Objectives, concepts, and types of models – Modeling: 6-

DOF models for aerospace vehicle with prescribed control surface inputs – Control Systems: Mechan-
ical (structural), Hydraulic systems and their modeling – Block diagram representation of systems
– Dynamics of aerospace vehicles – Pilot station inputs – Cues for the Pilot: Visual, biological, and
stick force – Virtual Simulation: Fly-by-wire system simulation – Uncertainty Modeling & Simula-
tion: Characterization of uncertainty in model parameters and inputs, use of simulation to propagate
the uncertainty to system response, Monte Carlo simulation – Simulation of stiff systems – Differ-
ential algebraic equations – Applications: Modeling and simulation methodologies for a complex
engineering system simulation, aerospace system simulation – Model Building Techniques: Parame-
ter identification, system identification – Least square estimation, maximum likelihood estimation,
Kalman filters, neural networks.

References:

1. Ogata, K., System Dynamics, 4th ed., Pearson Education (2004).

2. Doebelin, E. O., System Dynamics: Modeling, Analysis, Simulation, Designs, Marcel Dekker
(1998).
3. Ljung, L., System Identification: Theory for the User, Prentice Hall (1987).
4. Jategaonkar, R., V., Flight Vehicle System Identification: A Time Domain Methodology, AIAA
Progress in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Vol. 216 (2006).
5. Klein, V. and Morelli, E, A., Aircraft System Identification: Theory and Practice, AIAA Edu-
cation Series (2006).

M.Tech. Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics 20