VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Introduction to Aircraft and Car Aerodynamics
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:54
Abstract
Aircraft aerodynamics: Atmosphere; aerodynamic forces (lift, drag); thrust.Vehicle aerodynamics: Aerodynamic and mass forces, drag, lift, car aerodynamics and performence. Passenger cars, trucks, racing cars.
Objective
An introduction to the basic principles and interrelationships of aircraft and automotive aerodynamics. To understand the basic relations of the origin of aerodynamic forces (ie lift, drag). To quantify the aerodynamic forces for basic configurations of aircraft and car components. Illustration of the intrinsic problems and results using examples. Using experimental and theoretical methods to illustrate possibilities and limits.
Content
Aircraft aerodynamics: atmosphere, aerodynamic forces (ascending force: profile, wings. Resistance, residual resistance, induced resistance); thrust (overview of the propulsion system, aerodynamics of the propellers), introduction to static longitudinal stability. Automobile aerodynamics: Basic principles: aerodynamic force and the force of inertia, resistance, drive, aerodynamic and driving performance. Cars commercial vehicles, racing cars.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Preparation materials & slides are provided prior to each class
Literature
Aircraft Aerodynamics: - Anderson Jr, John D: Introduction to Flight, Mc Graw Hill, Ed 06, 2007; ISBN: 9780073529394 - Mc Cormick, B.W.: Aerodynamics, Aeronautics and Flight Mechanics, John Wiley and Sons, 1979 - Wilcox, David C, Basic Fluid Mechanics. DCW Industries, Inc., 1997 - Schlichting,H. und Truckenbrodt, E: Aerodynamik des Flugzeuges (Bd I und II), Springer Verlag, 1960 - Abbott, I. and van Doenhoff, A.: Theory of Wing Sections, McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., 1949 - Hoerner, S.F.: Fluid Dynamic Drag, Hoerner Fluid Dynamics, 1951/1965 - Hoerner, S.F.: Fluid Dynamic Lift, Hoerner Fluid Dynamics, 1975 - Perkins, C.D. and Hage, R.E.: Airplane Performance, Stability and Control, John Wiley ans Sons, 1949 Vehicle Aerodynamics - Hucho, Wolf-Heinrich: Aerodynamics of Road Vehicles, SAE International, 1998 - Gillespi, Thomas D: Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics, SAE, 1992 - Katz Joseph: New Directions in Race Car Aerodynamics, Robert Bentley Publishers, 1995
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 90 minutes
- Aids
- - Lecture material (slides and exercises)- Notes- Scientific calculator
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Introduction to Aircraft and Car Aerodynamics | No time listed | 3 h weekly |
Offered In
-
-
Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
-
-
-
-
Deep Track Courses (At least 20 credits must be completed within the deep track courses. Surplus credit points can be counted towards the electives.)
-
-
Deep Track Aerospace Engineering (These courses can be credited either as a specialization subject or as an elective subject.)
-
-
-
Deep Track Robotics (These courses can be credited either as a specialization subject or as an elective subject.)
-
-
-