MAE2404 Aerodynamics 1
Faculty of Engineering
MAE2404 Aerodynamics 1 is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering. It isn't offered in 2026. It needs ENG1005 and unlocks 4 units, leading on to 5 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Not offered
- Assessment
- Exam 60%
- and 3 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
The 2027 handbook has no page for MAE2404. This is its 2026 entry, the latest one.
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Requisites
Before MAE2404
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After MAE2404
4 units list MAE2404 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
This unit develops your physical and analytical understanding of the bases for aerodynamic flows and translates that into the ability to formulate, analyse and solve aerodynamic problems. It covers an introduction to the concept of a fluid and the continuum hypothesis. Definition of aerodynamic variables and coefficients. Introduction and description of fluid flow kinematics, and the application of this knowledge to the design and use of pumps, fans and compressors. Introduction of conservation principles and their application to the development of the governing equations for incompressible inviscid aerodynamic flows based on the ideas of control mass and control volume. Development of Bernoulli's equation. Solution of the governing Laplace equation for fundamental potential flows and the application of the principle of superposition to derive the solution of complex aerodynamic flows. Development and application of thin airfoil theory for infinite wings, and lifting line theory for finite wings. Introduction to the panel method for the analyses of general three-dimensional incompressible inviscid flow over twisted and delta wings.
Offerings in 2026
The 2026 handbook lists no offerings for MAE2404.
Assessment
- In-semester test(s)Quiz / TestThreshold hurdle15%
- Laboratory reportWrittenThreshold hurdle10%
- Design report and flight testProjectThreshold hurdle15%
- Final examinationExaminationThreshold hurdle60%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Formulate and analyse aerodynamics problems and be able to calculate the forces on aerodynamic bodies.
- 2
Use control volumes to predict aerodynamic behaviour with particular regard to the conservation principles of mass, momentum and energy.
- 3
Calculate lift and drag forces on vehicles of different geometries travelling at subsonic velocities.
- 4
Apply potential flow theory to the prediction of lift and drag generated by airfoils.
- 5
Predict lift and drag for three-dimensional wing geometries using vortex lattice methods.
Workload and teaching
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 of hours independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MAE2404?
You need ENG1005 before you enrol.
What can I take after MAE2404?
MAE2404 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 4 units, including MAE3401, MAE3405, MEC4447 and MMA3101. Those lead on to 5 units in all.
When is MAE2404 offered?
MAE2404 has no offerings listed in the 2026 handbook.
How much work is MAE2404?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does MAE2404 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.