Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mech & Mine Engineering School
Hypersonic gas dynamics including: hypersonic wind tunnels, flow deflection techniques, viscous flows, non-equilibrium flows, rarefied gas dynamics, and satellite drag.
This is a capstone aerospace engineering course which focuses on the important topic of high-speed flight at hypersonic speeds - travel at faster than 5 times the speed of sound. Hypersonic flight is important for many scenarios such as launching payloads into orbit, return to Earth from space, entry into the atmospheres of other planets, or sustained high-speed flight in the Earth's atmosphere.
This course covers important hypersonic concepts such as high-temperature gas dynamics, flow deflection techniques, viscous flows, hypersonic wind tunnels, and the rarefied gas dynamics experienced high up in the atmosphere or in space.
Course requirements
Assumed background
First and second level fluid mechanics and thermodynamics courses, specifically MECH3410.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MECH3410
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MECH4470
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to equip you with the tools to analyse, evaluate, and design solutions for hypersonic vehicles, which are challenged by their operation at Mach numbers much greater than one.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Analyse hypersonic flows - Evaluate inviscid lift and drag for a hypersonic flight vehicle using shock-expansion theory.
LO2.
Analyse hypersonic flows - Identify and evaluate practical considerations for generating various different test flows in a real facility.
LO3.
Analyse hypersonic flows - Create a specified hypersonic test flow by calculating the initial parameters for a reflected shock tunnel or expansion tube (such as shock tube fill pressure, primary shock speeds, driver requirements, and nozzle area ratio).
LO4.
Analyse hypersonic flows - Characterise a reflected shock tunnel test flow using experimental diagnostic data. Evaluate the effect of experimental uncertainty on the final computed test flow.
LO5.
Analyse hypersonic flows - Evaluate vehicle pressure and heat loading during atmospheric entry to Earth or the other Celestial bodies through the use of local surface inclination techniques in combination with atmospheric models and established empirical correlations. Use this analysis to identify critical loading for engineering design.
LO6.
Analyse hypersonic flows - Estimate surface heating and skin friction drag on a hypersonic flight vehicle using flat plate viscous hypersonic flow theory.
LO7.
Design for High Temperature Gas Effects - Identify and describe the high temperature gas phenomena encountered during hypersonic flight, explain how these cause departures from classical flow theory, and explain how these effects influence hypersonic vehicle design.
LO8.
Design for High Temperature Gas Effects - Calculate the equilibrium composition of a high temperature gas mixture using appropriate data tables or curve fits, and then calculate the mixture's properties.
LO9.
Design for High Temperature Gas Effects - Describe how statistical thermodynamics can be used to calculate the composition and properties of high temperature gas mixtures.
LO10.
Design for High Temperature Gas Effects - Apply equilibrium and ideal dissociating gas models to estimate flow properties over a hypersonic vehicle.
LO11.
Design for rarefied Gas effects - Estimate the overall degree of rarefaction of a gas flow, as well as local regions of the flow that are even more rarefied. Explain why it is important to be able to characterise the flow in this manner.
LO12.
Design for rarefied Gas effects - Calculate the number density of molecules in a given volume of gas.
LO13.
Design for rarefied Gas effects - Explain the relationship between the microscopic and macroscopic properties of a gas.
LO14.
Design for rarefied Gas effects - Use the kinetic theory of gases to statistically describe the microscopic properties of a gas mixture, such as the thermal velocity of the molecules, the mean free path between molecular collisions, and the pressure which the thermal velocity exerts on surfaces.
LO15.
Design for rarefied Gas effects - Use simple surface interaction models (specular and diffuse) to develop approximate engineering models for estimation of lift, drag and heat transfer in rarefied flow regimes, and apply to current engineering problems such as satellite drag and heating analysis.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | In-class problems | 10% |
27/02/2025 2:00 pm 13/03/2025 2:00 pm 20/03/2025 2:00 pm 27/03/2025 2:00 pm 3/04/2025 2:00 pm 10/04/2025 2:00 pm 17/04/2025 2:00 pm 1/05/2025 2:00 pm 8/05/2025 2:00 pm 15/05/2025 2:00 pm 22/05/2025 2:00 pm 29/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Shock tunnel laboratory experiment | 20% |
7/04/2025 - 22/04/2025
Lab reports are due by 14:00 three calendar weeks after the date that the experiment was performed. |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | Hypersonics assignment | 20% |
28/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
In-class problems
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
27/02/2025 2:00 pm
13/03/2025 2:00 pm
20/03/2025 2:00 pm
27/03/2025 2:00 pm
3/04/2025 2:00 pm
10/04/2025 2:00 pm
17/04/2025 2:00 pm
1/05/2025 2:00 pm
8/05/2025 2:00 pm
15/05/2025 2:00 pm
22/05/2025 2:00 pm
29/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15
Task description
Tutorial problems will be issued on Blackboard to students just before the scheduled tutorial time. The staff running the tutorial will host the tutorial in person at the scheduled time. The teaching staff will answer questions and explain the task to be completed individually during the tutorial session. Solutions to some or all of the tutorial problems will be presented and discussed during the course of the tutorial.
The assessment for each tutorial problem is full marks (worth 1%) or zero marks (worth 0%). The total mark for the tutorial is then 1% pro-rated by the proportion of problems you passed. A pass requires that you make a reasonable attempt at the question: selecting appropriate theory and methodology from the lecture material and applying it to the problem at hand. Zero marks would constitute either not doing a problem at all or very incorrectly attempting the problem, such as applying an inappropriate analysis to the question at hand.
Work must be submitted individually, however, students are actively encouraged to collaborate with group members in completing this learning activity.
Submission is online via Blackboard at 2:00 PM the next business day after the tutorial.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submission is online via Blackboard at 14:00 the day after the tutorial.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
The maximum mark which can be obtained for this item of assessment is 10% (i.e. if you submit 9 tutorials during the course of the semester and receive full marks for each, your final mark for this item of assessment will be 9%; whereas if you submit 12 tutorials during the course of the semester and receive full marks for each, your final mark for this item of assessment will be 10%). This is designed to accommodate unforeseen circumstances such as illness which may mean that students are not able to submit every tutorial during the semester. If extenuating circumstances means that a student has had to miss many weeks of tutorials, marks may be able to be scaled based on the results for the amount of tutorials that the student was able to submit.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Solutions to the tutorial problems will be presented and discussed during the course of the tutorial.
Shock tunnel laboratory experiment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
7/04/2025 - 22/04/2025
Lab reports are due by 14:00 three calendar weeks after the date that the experiment was performed.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04
Task description
Experiments performed in the UQ 'Drummond' reflected shock tunnel. A reflected shock tunnel is a common type of hypersonic test facility used to further the understanding of hypersonic flow. A teaching assistant will perform experiments on the facility in front of the students and students will analyse provided data using techniques taught in class.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Please refer to Blackboard for the marking criteria.
Submission guidelines
Submission is online via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is provided to students within 14-21 days of the assessment item's due date.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Hypersonics assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
28/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10
Task description
Multi-part hypersonics assignment. Further details will be released on Blackboard later in the semester.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submission is online via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is provided to students within 14-21 days of the assessment item's due date.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15
Task description
Exam scope: Entire course.
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Problem solving
Hurdle requirements
A minimum achievement of 40% is required on the final exam in order to receive a passing grade for the course.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0.00 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student fails to submit or complete all pieces of assessment and/or falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30.00 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student fails to submit or complete all pieces of assessment and/or falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45.00 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student fails to submit or complete all pieces of assessment and/or falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50.00 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performance to be considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in the course. And a minimum achievement of 40% on the final exam. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65.00 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills of the course to solve previously unseen problems, and demonstrates some originality and/or insight. And a minimum achievement of 40% on the final exam. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75.00 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills of the course to solve previously unseen and non-routine problems. Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtler aspects of course, ability to adapt and apply ideas to new contexts, and ability to invent and evaluate new ideas. And a minimum achievement of 40% on the final exam. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85.00 - 100.00 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills of the course to solve previously unseen and non-routine problems. Demonstrates evidence of critical analysis and an ability to synthesize information from different aspects of the course. Demonstrates imagination, originality or flair, based on proficiency in all the learning objectives for the course. And a minimum achievement of 40% on the final exam. |
Additional course grading information
Each passing grade subsumes and goes beyond the grades lower than it. Overall mark is calculated using weighting for each component as specified in the Assessment Summary.
A minimum achievement of 40% is required on the final exam in order to receive a passing grade for the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Assessment items submitted using the Turnitin link on the course Blackboard site, will check your work for evidence of plagiarism, collusion, and other forms of academic misconduct.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
You will be required to complete and sign the Student Safety Declaration form before commencing the shock tunnel and rarefied experiments.
Laboratory access
Students must have completed the Student Laboratory Safety Induction, Annual Fire Safety Training and Health Safety and Wellness (HSW) to a specific laboratory induction, all accessed via Blackboard.
If you require access for experimental work, then register for an induction by searching for that laboratory at the following link:
https://student.eait.uq.edu.au/urite/
Additional requirements to be inducted into each laboratory will be listed on that link.
Students can also check their HSW training card here:
https://student.eait.uq.edu.au/safe
Access to laboratories will be granted after all of the specific laboratory requirements have been met.
If you have any enquiries regarding HSW please contact the School’s Technical Services Team on labsupport@mechmining.uq.edu.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 12 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial Sessions This time is set aside for solving example problems and includes time to ask questions about the course content, the practical, and the assignment. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15 |
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1: Introduction Introduction to hypersonics and normal shock waves |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2: Hypersonic test facilities Introduction to hypersonic ground testing and the basic shock tube. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3: Hypersonic test facilities Reflected shock tunnels, scaling for hypersonic experiments, and the expansion tube. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 5 |
Practical |
Shock tunnel laboratory experiment In this practical a teaching assistant will perform experiments in a small reflected shock tunnel, a common hypersonic test facility. After the practical students will compare and evaluate the results in the context of the theory presented in class. Practical reports are due three calendar weeks after the date of the experiment. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4: High temperature gas dynamics Introduction to high temperature gases and equilibrium mixtures. Learning outcomes: L08, L09, L10 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5: High temperature gas dynamics Continuation of equilibrium mixtures and statistical thermodynamics. Learning outcomes: L08, L09, L10, L11 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6: High temperature gas dynamics Chemical and thermal non-equilbrium. Learning outcomes: L08, L09, L10 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7: Surface inclination techniques Shock-expansion theory and Newtonian theory. Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 8: Viscous flow Flat plate laminar viscous flow. Learning outcomes: L05, L06 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9: Viscous flow Stagnation point heating and experimental techniques. Learning outcomes: L05, L06 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Week 10: Rarefied gas dynamics Introduction to rarified gas dynamics and kinetic theory. Learning outcomes: L12, L13, L14, L15 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11: Rarefied gas dynamics Rarified gas drag and heat transfer (part 1). Learning outcomes: L12, L13, L14, L15 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12: Rarefied gas dynamics Rarified gas drag and heat transfer (part 2). Learning outcomes: L12, L13, L14, L15 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Week 13: Revision Revision of course content. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.