University of Cape Town Aeronautical Engineering

In 2005 the Department of Mechanical Engineering formed an Aeronautical Research Group and embarked on a number of research projects in the field of aeronautical engineering

The group favours low-cost solutions and approximate methods for investigating complex engineering problems and research projects often have their origins in industry.

The Aeronautical Research group possesses substantial experience in flight vehicle simulation and design, specifically related to flight mechanics and applied aerodynamics and its main strengths are in aerodynamics, flight dynamics, modelling and field-testing.

A major focus within the Aeronautics Research Group is the flight modelling and testing of parafoils, which had its roots in an attempt by a major defence company to recover an unmanned aerial vehicle using a parafoil system. The group has also developed a novel mobile parafoil launching system which will be used to conduct flight tests of parafoils designs.

Investigations are underway for a vehicle mounted aerodynamic testing apparatus as a low-cost system for measuring the aerodynamic characteristics of large model aircraft, which would allow medium sized unmanned aerial vehicles to be developed. Other research work focusses on the theoretical minimization of the hinge moment on ailerons, which would permit smaller hydraulic jacks to be used on aircraft and result in a reduction of fairing size and aerodynamic drag.

In collaboration with Airbus, the formation flight of commercial aircraft is being studied as a potential method for lowering emissions and reducing costs in the aviation industry.

CURRENT RESEARCH FOCUS

• Operational procedures for airliners encountering emergencies in formation flight
• The effect of atmospheric  turbulence on passenger and crew comfort in formation flight
• The effect of free-air turbulence on fuel consumption in formation flight
• The study of the aerodynamic characteristics of parafoils
• The autonomous guidance and control of parafoils

KEY RESEARCH COLLABORATORS

• National Aerospace Centre ( University of the Witwatersrand )
• Airbus Bristol ( UK )
• Aerodyne Research Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd

SPONSORS

• National Aerospace Centre ( University of the Witwatersrand )
• Airbus Bristol ( UK )

SPECIALISED FACILITIES

• A unique parafoil launching & reconfigurable guidance and control system, enabling low cost experimentation
• High powered computing facilities for aerodynamic and simulation modelling

Contact Details For University of Cape Town Aeronautical Engineering

Tel: 021 650 2699
Email: [email protected]
 

Physical address
5th level, New Engineering Building
Madiba Circle, Upper Campus,
University of Cape Town, Rondebosch