Aerodynamics Course: Theoretical & Experimental Fundamentals | IIT Kharagpur NPTEL
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 211 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Fundamentals of Flight: A Comprehensive Guide to the NPTEL Aerodynamics Course
The world of flight, from commercial airliners to cutting-edge drones, is governed by the principles of aerodynamics. For engineers and enthusiasts looking to build a solid foundation in this fascinating field, the NPTEL course ‘Fundamentals of Theoretical and Experimental Aerodynamics’ offers an unparalleled opportunity. Led by the esteemed Prof. Arnab Roy from IIT Kharagpur, this 12-week program is designed to demystify the core concepts that explain how objects move through air.
Why Study Aerodynamics?
Aerodynamics is no longer confined to traditional aviation. Its principles are critical in a wide array of modern applications, including the design of UAVs, drones, high-performance automobiles, sports equipment, and even skyscrapers. A strong grasp of aerodynamic fundamentals is essential for innovation in defense, space exploration, and sustainable transportation. This course serves as the perfect starting point or refresher, equipping you with the knowledge to tackle real-world challenges across these diverse industries.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Arnab Roy
The course is guided by an expert with decades of experience. Prof. Arnab Roy is a Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kharagpur.
- Expert Educator: With over 20 years of combined UG and PG teaching experience, Prof. Roy has taught a wide range of courses including Aerodynamics, CFD, Hypersonic Flows, and Propulsion, consistently receiving outstanding student feedback.
- Proven Mentor: He has successfully guided numerous PhD scholars to completion, demonstrating his depth of knowledge and mentorship skills.
- Industry & Research Acumen: His research in computational and experimental fluid dynamics is supported by prestigious organizations like DRDO, ISRO, SERB, and AOARD (Japan).
- NPTEL Veteran: He has previously offered and successfully rerun popular NPTEL courses on CFD and Aerodynamics, ensuring a polished and effective learning experience.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is meticulously designed for:
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate students in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.
- New recruits and professionals in aerospace organizations like HAL, NAL, DRDL, ADA, ADE, Boeing, and Airbus.
- Engineers and pilots in the Indian Air Force seeking to solidify their aerodynamic understanding.
- Anyone with a background in basic fluid mechanics looking to enter the exciting field of aerodynamics.
Course Structure: A 12-Week Journey
The course is structured to provide a logical progression from basic concepts to applied tools, balancing theory and practice.
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Foundations: Relevance of aerodynamics, fluid kinematics, and conservation laws (mass, momentum, energy). |
| 4-5 | Airfoil & Wing Aerodynamics: Geometry, lift/drag curves, stall, finite wings, and unsteady effects. |
| 6 | Compressible Flows: Shock/expansion waves, supersonic flow, nozzles, and intro to hypersonics. |
| 7-8 | Computational Aerodynamics (CFD): Panel methods, Euler & Navier-Stokes equations, and application examples. |
| 9-12 | Experimental Aerodynamics: Wind tunnel design, flow visualization, measurement techniques (pressure, force, velocity), and data analysis. |
Key Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, you will be able to:
- Understand the fundamental principles governing aerodynamic force generation.
- Analyze airfoil and wing performance characteristics.
- Comprehend the basics of compressible flow and shock wave phenomena.
- Grasp the main steps and methodologies used in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
- Understand wind tunnel testing, instrumentation, and experimental data acquisition.
- Be well-prepared to undertake more advanced, specialized courses in aerodynamics.
Essential Reading Materials
The course content is supported by renowned textbooks, including:
- Fundamentals of Aerodynamics by J.D. Anderson
- Introduction to Flight by J.D. Anderson
- Low Speed Wind Tunnel Testing by Barlow, Rae, and Pope
- A First Course in Aerodynamics by A. Roy (Available on Bookboon)
Your Pathway to Aerospace Excellence
Whether you aim to design the next generation of aircraft, optimize renewable energy systems, or develop autonomous aerial vehicles, it all starts with a strong foundation in aerodynamics. This NPTEL course by IIT Kharagpur, under the expert guidance of Prof. Arnab Roy, provides that critical first step. It’s more than just a course; it’s an invitation to understand the invisible forces that allow us to conquer the skies.
Enroll today and begin your journey into the fundamental science of flight.
Enroll Now →