AE 707: QH1. 19/8/21. Total = 5.

45 mins
Answers without detailed explanation/justification of steps will be heavily pe-
nalized.

1. (1 point) The basic dimensions relevant for fluid mechanics are length (L), mass (M )
and time (T ). In high-school physics, you have come across four other basic dimensions –
viz. temperature (Θ), electric current (I), luminous intensity (C) and amount of matter
(i.e., no. of moles) (N ). Even though temperature is a bona fide flow variable, at least
in compressible flows, why is it not considered as a basic dimension in fluid mechanics?
2. (2 points) The thickness distribution (as a fraction of chord) of the NACA 4-digit airfoil
family is
√
zt = 5t(0.2969 x − 0.1260x − 0.3516x2 + 0.2843x3 − 0.1015x4 ).
where t is the maximum thickness of the airfoil as a fraction of the chord, and x is the
coordinate along the chord as a function of the chord. What is the thickness of the
trailing edge of a NACA 4420 airfoil as a fraction of its chord?
3. (2 points) Given the Cp vs. x plot below, what is the probable airfoil and angle of
attack? More importantly, explain your choice.

◦
(a) NACA 0012 at 0 angle of attack,
◦
(b) NACA 0012 at 4 angle of attack,
◦
(c) NACA 0012 at −4 angle of attack,
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(d) NACA 4412 at 0 angle of attack,
◦
(e) NACA 4412 at 4 angle of attack,
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(f) NACA 4412 at −4 angle of attack,