Fixed-wing aerodynamics fundamentals course
About our
Fixed-Wing Aerodynamics Fundamentals Course
This course provides a solid foundation in the principles governing the flight of fixed-wing aircraft. It explores key concepts such as lift, drag, and aerodynamic efficiency, as well as the influence of wing shape and other components. It delves into boundary layer theory, compressible flow, and wing behavior under different flight conditions, including angle of attack and Reynolds number. Aerodynamic simulation software is used to understand and analyze the theoretical principles.
The course provides essential knowledge for engineers, pilots, and aviation enthusiasts, enabling them to analyze aircraft performance and apply aerodynamic principles to aircraft design and operation. Case studies on wing design and flight control are included, linked to aviation safety and fuel efficiency optimization.
Fixed-wing aerodynamics fundamentals course
- Format: Hybrid
- Duration: 3 months
- Hours: 300 H
- Language: English / Spanish
- Registration date: 23-10-2026
- Start date: 12-12-2026
- Available places: 3
449 $
Competencies and results
What you will learn
1. Principles and Applications of Aerodynamics in Fixed Wings
- Understand the fundamentals of aerodynamics and its impact on fixed-wing design.
- Identify and analyze the key principles governing airflow around wings.
- Study aerodynamic forces (lift, drag, thrust) and their relationship to wing design.
- Explore the influence of wing shape (airfoil, wing planform) on aerodynamic performance.
- Evaluate the effects of compressibility on airflow at high speeds.
- Apply aerodynamic knowledge to the design and optimization of fixed-wing aircraft for different applications.
- Investigate laminar and turbulent flow control techniques to improve performance.
- Analyze the stability and control of fixed-wing aircraft from an aerodynamic perspective.
- Relate aerodynamics to other fields of Aeronautical engineering, such as structure and propulsion.
Use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation tools to analyze and predict the aerodynamic behavior of fixed wings.
2. Aerodynamic Analysis of Fixed Wings: Fundamentals and Applications
- Understand and apply the fundamental principles of fixed-wing aerodynamics.
- Analyze airflow around airfoils and complete wings.
- Evaluate the aerodynamic forces and moments acting on wings.
- Study lift, drag, and pitching moment under different flight conditions.
- Apply aerodynamic design concepts to optimize the performance of fixed wings.
- Investigate flow separation phenomena and their effects on aerodynamic performance.
- Use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools for aerodynamic analysis.
- Understand the influence of wing geometry (span, sweep, dihedral) on aerodynamic behavior.
- Analyze the stability and control of fixed-wing aircraft in flight.
- Explore the applications of fixed-wing aerodynamics in the design of aircraft, drones, and aerospace vehicles.
3. Comprehensive user-oriented design and validation (from modeling to manufacturing)
You will learn to integrate the entire product development process, from initial model conception to final validation, applying user-centered methodologies. You will develop skills in parametric design, ergonomics, simulation, sustainable materials, 3D visualization, and manufacturing management, ensuring efficient, safe solutions that meet current industry standards.
4. Introduction to Fixed-Wing Aerodynamics: Theory and Practice
4. Introduction to Fixed-Wing Aerodynamics: Theory and Practice
Understand the fundamental principles of aerodynamics applied to fixed wings.
Explore lift, drag, and airfoil.
Analyze airflow around wings, including boundary layer and separation.
Study wing design and optimization for different applications.
Introduction to subsonic, transonic, and supersonic aerodynamics.
Understand the concepts of stability and flight control.
Learn about the design and evaluation of control surfaces.
Study the equations of motion and aerodynamic forces.
Perform basic aerodynamic simulations and analyses.
Apply theoretical knowledge to practical cases and real-world examples.
5. Dynamics and Aerodynamics of Fixed Wings: Essential Fundamentals
5. Fixed-Wing Dynamics and Aerodynamics: Essential Fundamentals
Understand the key concepts of aerodynamics and flight dynamics in fixed-wing aircraft.
Study the fundamental equations that govern aircraft flight.
Analyze the principles of lift, drag, and stability.
Explore the different types of airfoils and their characteristics.
Understand the operation of flight control systems.
Evaluate wing behavior under different flight conditions.
Study the factors that affect aerodynamic efficiency.
Analyze flap-lag-torsion couplings, whirl flutter, and fatigue.
Dimension laminates in composites, joints, and bonded materials. Joints with FE.
Implement damage tolerance and NDT (UT/RT/thermography).
Apply the knowledge acquired in the design and analysis of fixed-wing aircraft.
Become familiar with simulation and analysis tools.
Develop problem-solving skills in the field of aerodynamics and flight dynamics.
6. Fundamental Aerodynamic Analysis and Design for Fixed Wings
6. Fundamental Aerodynamic Analysis and Design for Fixed-Wing Aircraft
- Essential principles of fixed-wing aerodynamics, including lift, drag, and airflow.
- Fundamentals of aerodynamic design, airfoils, and geometry selection.
- Key concepts of boundary layer theory and its impact on performance.
- Analysis of aircraft stability and control, including statics and dynamics.
- Exploration of flutter phenomena and techniques for their mitigation.
- Evaluation of aerodynamic loads and their distribution on the wings.
- Understanding of aeronautical materials and their application in aircraft design.
wings.
Design and analysis of wing structures, including the use of specialized software.
Principles of aerodynamic optimization to improve performance and efficiency.
Application of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) tools for simulation and analysis.
Who this program is for:
Fixed-wing aerodynamics fundamentals course
- Engineers with degrees in Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial, Automation, and related fields.
- Aeronautical industry professionals: OEMs of fixed-wing aircraft, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), consultants, and staff from technology centers.
- Experts in areas such as Flight Testing, Aeronautical Certification, Avionics, Flight Control, and Flight Dynamics, interested in deepening their knowledge.
- Staff from aeronautical regulators/authorities and professionals Those involved in the development of UAM/eVTOL who seek to acquire skills in regulatory compliance.
- Standards-driven curriculum: you will work with CS-27/CS-29, DO-160, DO-178C/DO-254, ARP4754A/ARP4761, ADS-33E-PRF from the first module.
- Accreditable laboratories (EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibrations/acoustics.
- Evidence-oriented TFM: safety case, test plan, compliance dossierand operational limits.
- Mentored by industry: teachers with experience in rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
- Flexible modality (hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
- Ethics and security: safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as pillars.
1.1 Introduction to the fundamental concepts of aerodynamics.
1.2 Principles of lift and drag.
1.3 Airfoils: characteristics and design.
1.4 Airflow over fixed wings.
1.5 Effects of speed and angle of attack.
1.6 Stability and control in fixed wings.
1.7 Basic aerodynamic design and optimization.
1.8 Practical applications of aerodynamics in aviation.
1.9 Introduction to basic equations and tools.
1.10 Influence of aerodynamics on aircraft performance.
2.2 Basic Concepts of Lift and Drag
2.2 Navier-Stokes Equations and Their Application
2.3 Airfoils: Design and Characteristics
2.4 Pressure and Force Distribution on Wings
2.5 Compressible and Incompressible Flow: Effects
2.6 Stability and Control in Flight: Analysis
2.7 Wake and Vortex Analysis on Wings
2.8 Numerical Methods in Fixed-Wing Aerodynamics
2.9 CFD Simulation Software and Its Use
2.20 Aerodynamic Wing Design: Optimization
3.3 Basic Principles of Fixed-Wing Aerodynamic Design
3.2 Airfoil Selection and Its Influence on Design
3.3 Drag: Types and How to Minimize Them
3.4 Lift and Its Relationship to Wing Design
3.5 Wing Planform Design: Shape, Wingspan, and Area
3.6 Leading-Edge and Trailing-Edge Effects on the Wing
3.7 Control Surface Design and Its Impact on Flight
3.8 Aircraft Stability and Control
3.9 Introduction to Aerodynamic Simulation
3.30 Optimizing Aerodynamic Design for Different Applications
4.4 Fundamentals of Fixed-Wing Aerodynamics: Introduction to Theory and Basic Principles
4.2 Wing Geometry: Design, Components, and Key Terminology
4.3 Airfoils: Characteristics, Classification, and Selection
4.4 Aerodynamic Forces: Lift, Drag, and Moments
4.5 Equations of Motion and Aircraft Stability
4.6 Airflow Around the Wing: Laminar, Turbulent, and Separation
4.7 Aerodynamic Design Concepts: Optimization for Different Applications
4.8 Instrumentation and Wind Tunnel and Flight Measurements
4.9 Computer Simulation of Aerodynamics: Introduction and Tools
4.40 Practical Applications: Examples of Fixed-Wing Design and Analysis
5.5 Introduction to aerodynamic forces: lift, drag, thrust, and weight.
5.5 Airfoils and their influence on flight.
5.3 Types of fixed wings: design and characteristics.
5.4 Basic concepts of airflow and Reynolds number.
5.5 Importance of aerodynamics in aircraft design.
5.6 The wind tunnel: operation and applications.
5.7 Applications of aerodynamics in different types of aircraft.
5.8 Aerodynamic simulation software: introduction.
5.5 Bernoulli’s principle and its application to flight.
5.5 Newton’s law and its relationship to aerodynamics.
5.3 Pressure distribution on an airfoil.
5.4 Angle of attack and lift coefficient.
5.5 The effect of roll on lift and control.
5.6 Aerodynamic drag: types and causes.
5.7 Aerodynamic efficiency concept: lift-to-drag ratio.
5.8 Airflow structure: laminar and turbulent.
3.5 Wing design parameters: wingspan, chord, planform.
3.5 Airfoil selection: criteria and considerations.
3.3 Wing design: sweep, dihedral, and twist.
3.4 Flight control systems: ailerons, rudder, elevators.
3.5 Flap and slat design: objectives and function.
3.6 Aerodynamic design for different flight speeds.
3.7 Stability and control in fixed-wing design.
3.8 Computer-aided aerodynamic optimization.
4.5 Airflow theory: boundary layers and separation.
4.5 Navier-Stokes equations and their application. 4.3 Aerodynamic Analysis Methods: Theoretical, Experimental, and Numerical
4.4 Wind Tunnel Experimentation: Measurements and Data Analysis
4.5 CFD Simulation Software: Applications and Results
4.6 Aerodynamic Design Practices: Case Studies
4.7 Practical Applications of Aerodynamics in Aircraft Design
4.8 Data Analysis and Conclusions
5.5 Equations of Motion and Forces Acting on an Aircraft
5.5 Static and Dynamic Stability: Concepts and Analysis
5.3 Flight Control: Fundamentals and Control Surface Design
5.4 Longitudinal and Lateral Stability
5.5 Effect of Wind Speed on Flight
5.6 Flight Dynamics in Turbulent Conditions
5.7 Aircraft Maneuverability Analysis
5.8 Flight Simulators: Introduction and Applications
6.5 Airfoil Analysis: Methods and Tools
6.5 Pressure and Force Distribution Analysis
6.3 Lift, Drag, and Moment Calculation
6.4 Wing Design for Different Flight Regimes
6.5 Control Surface Design: Analysis and Dimensioning
6.6 Aerodynamic Optimization: Methods and Algorithms
6.7 Energy Efficiency Analysis of Fixed Wings
6.8 Aircraft Response to Wind Gusts
7.5 Introduction to Lift: How It Is Generated
7.5 Induced and Parasitic Drag: Causes and Mitigation
7.3 The Angle of Attack and Its Influence
7.4 Effects of Wing Shape on Performance
7.5 The Importance of the Boundary Layer
7.6 Basic Wing Design: Key Parameters
7.7 Stability and Control: Basic Concepts 7.8 Introduction to Aerodynamic Simulation
8.5 Study of Advanced Airfoil Profiles: Camber, Thickness, etc.
8.5 Three-Dimensional Flow Analysis: Wingspan Effects
8.3 High-Efficiency Wing Design: Techniques and Strategies
8.4 Mach Number Effects: Air Compressibility
8.5 Wing Design for Subsonic, Transonic, and Supersonic Flight
8.6 Design of Flow Control Systems: Flaps, Slats, etc.
8.7 Applications of Aerodynamics in Modern Aircraft Design
8.8 Multidisciplinary Optimization in Fixed-Wing Design
6.6 Principles of Aerodynamics Applied to Fixed-Wing Design
6.2 Fundamentals of Lift and Drag
6.3 Airfoil Theory and Its Impact on Performance
6.4 Analysis of Pressure and Force Distribution in Fixed Wings
6.5 Basic Aerodynamic Design: Airfoil Selection
6.6 Effect of Angle of Attack and Roll on Performance
6.7 Introduction to the Navier-Stokes Equations in Aerodynamics
6.8 Analysis of Laminar and Turbulent Flow in Fixed Wings
6.9 Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Methods
6.60 Practical Applications of Aerodynamic Design in Fixed Wings
- Hands-on methodology: test-before-you-trust, design reviews, failure analysis, compliance evidence.
- Software (depending on licenses/partners): MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy), OpenVSP, SU2/OpenFOAM, Nastran/Abaqus, AMESim/Modelica, acoustics tools, planning toolchains DO-178C.
- SEIUM Laboratories: scale rotor bench, vibrations/acoustics, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL for AFCS, data acquisition with strain gauging.
- Standards and compliance: EN 9100, 17025, ISO 27001, GDPR.
Capstone-type projects
Admissions, fees, and scholarships
- Profile: Background in Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields; practical experience in NLP and valued information retrieval systems.
- Documentation: Updated CV, academic transcript, SOP/statement of purpose, project examples or code (optional).
- Process: Application → Technical evaluation of profile and experience → Technical interview → Review of case studies → Final decision → Enrollment.
- Fees:
- Single payment: 10% discount.
- Payment in 3 installments: No fees; 30% upon registration + 2 equal monthly payments of the remaining 35%.
Monthly payment: available with a 7% commission on the total; annual review.
Scholarships: based on academic merit, financial need, and promoting inclusion; agreements with companies in the sector for partial or full scholarships.
See “Calendar & Calls for Applications,” “Scholarships & Grants,” and “Fees & Financing” in the SEIUM mega-menu.
Do you have any questions?
Our team is ready to help you. Contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible.
F. A. Q
Frequently asked questions
Yes, we have international certification
Yes: experimental models, real data, applied simulations, professional environments, real case studies.
It is not mandatory. We offer leveling tracks and tutoring.
Completely. It covers e-propulsion, integration, and emerging regulations (SC-VTOL).
Recommended. There are also internal challenges and consortiums.
Yes. Online/hybrid modality with planned labs and visa support (see “Visa & Residence”).