Computational Methods in Aerospace Engineering

Two versions of a circular diagram. Each has a small round object in the center and a pattern of waves wrapping to the right. Upper image is made of a grid of lines with varying density; lower image renders this density pattern in smooth colors.

An adaptive grid (top) used to compute the supersonic flow around a cylinder (Mach number = 2). The methods taught in this class form the foundations for computational fluid dynamic analyses such as this. (Image courtesy of Prof. David Darmofal. Used with permission.)

Instructor(s)

MIT Course Number

16.90

As Taught In

Spring 2014

Level

Undergraduate

Cite This Course

Course Description

Course Features

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to numerical methods and computational techniques arising in aerospace engineering. Applications are drawn from aerospace structures, aerodynamics, dynamics and control, and aerospace systems. Techniques covered include numerical integration of systems of ordinary differential equations; numerical discretization of partial differential equations; and probabilistic methods for quantifying the impact of variability. Specific emphasis is given to finite volume methods in fluid mechanics, and finite element methods in structural mechanics.

Acknowledgement: Prof. David Darmofal taught this course in prior years, and created some of the materials found in this OCW site.

Other Versions

Related Content

Karen Willcox, and Qiqi Wang. 16.90 Computational Methods in Aerospace Engineering. Spring 2014. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT OpenCourseWare, https://ocw.mit.edu. License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA.


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