This is an 8-week course that covers the basics of aircraft design. We’ll start with fundamental concepts of why aircraft fly, work through the steps of designing an aircraft and include hands-on experience with helpful aircraft design software and methods. During the course, you will design your own free-flight glider, and through the process, learn about aerodynamics, trim, stability, dynamics, and structures. The course will come to an end with a friendly fly-off competition in a flight simulator.
What will you learn in this live class?
Week 1: Introduction – Get an overview of the course and an introduction to the material.
Week 2: Airfoil Analysis – Learn to use XFOIL to analyze any airfoil geometry and extract the appropriate aerodynamic properties.
Week 3: Wing Design and Optimization – Learn to use MachUp for wing design, and how taper and twist affect performance.
Week 4: Mass Properties – Learn to estimate the mass properties of your aircraft, including the center of mass and moments of inertia.
Week 5: Static Trim – Learn how to design the mounting angles of the main wing and horizontal stabilizer so the aircraft will be trimmed.
Week 6: Static Stability – Learn to size and place the main wing and horizontal stabilizer to ensure static stability.
Week 7: Dynamic Stability – Learn how to estimate the dynamic properties of the aircraft and how they affect performance.
Week 8: Fly-Off – Enter your final design in the virtual competition and see how it stacks up against others in a realistic flight simulator.
The course is taught in a flipped classroom setting, which means you'll watch about 2 hours of lecture outside of class each week, and then come to class to work with us on your own designs. We'll guide you through the process in a very interactive atmosphere. In addition to learning these concepts, you'll meet incredible people who have similar interests and make life-long friendships. We'll be there every step of the way throughout the process, answering questions and supporting you on this exciting journey.
The class will be on Wednesday Evenings on Zoom from 8:00-9:30 PM Mountain Time from January 18 - March 8, 2023.
Requirements
You'll need:
You should have access to a computer that runs Windows or Mac.
You should have access to Google Sheets (free with a Google account).
You should have a basic understanding of algebra.
You should have experience with spreadsheets (we'll review and help you with this).
You should have the desire to learn about airplanes.
Hi - I'm Doug. I love airplanes and math. Why are my courses so cheap? I believe higher education should be available to those of all economic circumstances and geographic locations. My pre-recorded classes grew out of the pandemic that forced higher education to go online. I wanted to extend my reach to students who don't have the opportunity...
Through our study of aircraft design, we have grown to love the beautiful mathematics behind aerodynamics and flight mechanics. These analytical solutions grew out of intense work by aerodynamicists that were well versed in physical laws and mathematical principles. With the development of the computer in the 1960’s and subsequent improvements...
Schedule
Location
Web conference
One-time Fee
$249
1 year access Number of days for which you will have access to the materials of the class.
€228.95
1 year access Number of days for which you will have access to the materials of the class.
£192.34
1 year access Number of days for which you will have access to the materials of the class.
CA$358.09
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A$395.17
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S$333.66
1 year access Number of days for which you will have access to the materials of the class.
HK$1,938.20
1 year access Number of days for which you will have access to the materials of the class.
CHF 219.31
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NOK kr2,612.42
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DKK kr1,715.80
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NZ$435.62
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د.إ914.57
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৳29,941.74
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₹21,299.19
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RM1,103.94
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₦379,210.77
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₨69,041.16
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฿8,290.63
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₺9,461.55
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B$1,434.04
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R4,554.21
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Лв450.08
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₩366,129.60
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₪907.10
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₱14,285
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¥37,311.39
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MX$5,074.89
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QR907.86
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P3,365.58
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KSh31,861.97
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E£12,591.93
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ብር32,711.78
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Kz227,088
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CLP$231,369.31
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CN¥1,808.63
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RD$15,549.49
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DA33,294.28
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FJ$578.93
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Q1,900.51
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GY$51,540.42
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ISK kr32,590.12
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DH2,408.67
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L4,469.59
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ден14,073.21
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MOP$1,973.97
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N$4,476.94
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C$9,065.77
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रु33,684.69
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S/906.38
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K1,026.25
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SAR933.72
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ZK7,014.99
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L1,144.57
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Kč5,734.96
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Ft92,304.23
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SEK kr2,493.18
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ARS$263,908.46
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Bs1,702.23
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COP$1,042,184.52
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₡123,110.63
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L6,302.12
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₲1,973,490.52
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$U10,498.93
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zł961.09
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Additional Details
Language: English
Level: Intermediate
Skills: Wing Design, Data Analysis, Airfoil Analysis, Static Stability, Simulation Experience, Dynamic Stability, Mass Properties, Aircraft Design