Integrated Experimental and Computational Aerodynamics Education at the U.S. Air Force Academy

The Aeronautical Engineering program at the U.S. Air Force Academy over the past decade has focused on integrating experimental and computational experiences in all Aerodynamic sequence courses. The required courses in the Aerodynamic Discipline include Aeronautical Fluid Dynamics, Computational Aerodynamics, and Advanced Aerodynamics. The experiences in these courses prepare cadets for capstone-like experiences in the Experimental/Computational Discipline of the required Aeronautical Laboratory and the elective Advanced Computation Aerodynamics. The paper highlights the experiences in each of these courses and summarizes how these contribute to success in the program.