IHS ESDU Aerospace Design Solutions

Validated Design Data You Can Trust

IHS ESDU provides engineering insight based on the collective knowledge of hundreds of engineers from around the world. It is actively managed and updated regularly to keep abreast of the latest science and practices to deliver the most advanced resources.

Benefits:

• Achieve Greater Design Accuracy – ensure your design calculations are accurate with comprehensive, in-depth information for more than 1200 aerospace design and performance topics. IHS ESDU is the ideal complement to other design tools such as finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics programs as well as in-house practices, codes and industry standards
• Optimize Designs – IHS ESDU provides an in-depth discussion of the relevant design parameters and the tools to research alternative configurations to optimize the design
• Improve Collaboration – IHS ESDU methods and data enable cooperation on joint development projects without compromising proprietary methods and resources
• Reduce Rework or Redesign – because IHS ESDU methods are validated, calculations will accurately predict performance with less rework or reliance on costly prototypes
• Meet Project Budgets and Schedules - IHS ESDU helps engineers effectively solve complex problems to shorten the initial design and development phases and reduce research costs

IHS ESDU methods, data and software cover the following design and performance subjects:

IHS ESDU Data Items include:

• Fully developed prediction methods calibrated against qualified data from multiple sources
• Detailed descriptions of the principles on which methods are based
• Best practice methods described with ranges of accuracy, references, derivation lists, and worked examples
• Stated limits of the methods applicability with guidance for interpreting results in a practical engineering context
• Detailed calculation diagrams to show program data flows

Other available engineering reference tools include:

• USAF DATCOM
• NACA/NASA reports
• Metallic Materials Properties Development and Standardization Handbook
• Analysis and Design of Flight Vehicle Structures by E.F. Bruhn

Get to the Source with the IHS ESDU Engineering Service
Every IHS ESDU subscription includes the Engineering Service for direct communication of technical queries with ESDU engineers.  In many cases you can communicate directly with the author of the specific Data Item to get to the bottom of a problem and the best solution.

The IHS ESDU Aerodynamics Design Collection also includes the USAF DATCOM, a collection of the knowledge and judgment in the area of aerodynamic stability and control prediction methods.

DATCOM methods are a mixture of theoretical and empirical equations and used in conjunction with test data. Each section starts with a description of aerodynamics that contribute to the derivative as appropriate to the configuration. Next, it describes the methods, followed by sample problems, references, tables that show accuracy of the methods and charts.

Intended for preliminary design purposes before the acquisition of test data, it includes methods ranging from simple and easily applied techniques to accurate and thorough procedures. Tables that compare calculated results with test data provide indications of method accuracy and references to related material are included.

DATCOM is divided into nine major sections based on the stability and control parameter.

Volume 1:

• Guide to DATCOM and methods 
• General information 
• Effects of external stores

Volume 2:

• Characteristics at angle of attack

Volume 3: 

• Characteristics in sideslip
• Characteristics of high-lift and control devices

Volume 4:

• Dynamic derivatives 
• Mass and inertia 
• Characteristics of VTOL-STOL aircraft

Note that DATCOM methods have not been validated by IHS ESDU but contribute to a comprehensive collection of aerodynamics design information and can be used alongside IHS ESDU methods for comparison and analysis to solve design problems.

Academic institutions rely on IHS ESDU to stay up to date on the latest design tools and practices. With more than 1300 Data Items, IHS ESDU provides academics with an unsurpassed breadth of engineering topics.

IHS ESDU delivers up to date engineering tools, data and methods that are used by leading aerospace and process engineers. With these Data Items, students will create projects and dissertations that real-life results. Because IHS ESDU is web-based, collaboration between geographically separated faculty and students is possible.

Clear Presentation of Topic, Data and Method
Students are presented with detailed background information that introduces the topic and defines the design criteria and parameters. IHS groups Data Items into families so that students may start with a concept introduction and work through specific problems in the entire subject area. Topics are presented in a structured, consistent format that contains defined symbols and units, analysis methods, ranges of accuracy, references, derivations lists and worked examples. Because of the detail contained within IHS ESDU Data Items, students can easily understand and apply the design, as well as quickly review, interpret and assimilate the methods and tools into their projects.

Benefits:

• Augment the institutions design engineering leadership role
• Introduce students to advanced design tools
• Educate new engineers to perform confidently and competently

Who Uses IHS ESDU In Academic Institutions
Instructors or lecturers of design, deans of engineering, department heads in mechanical, chemical, structural, or aerospace engineering, librarians or curriculum planners

Available Design Disciplines:

• Mechanical Engineering
  Fluid dynamics, mechanisms, tribology, statistics, thermodynamics, vibration, fatigue, structures and materials. 
• Aerospace Engineering
  Aerodynamics, performance, fluid -flow, dynamics and control, propulsion, fatigue and fracture, vibration and acoustics 
• Materials Engineering/Metallurgy
  Mechanical properties, microstructure, structures, bonding, deformation of materials, composites and material selection. 
• Civil and Structural Engineering
  Structural engineering, materials, fluid mechanics, wind engineering, seismic analysis, environmental engineering

To understand how you will benefit from using IHS ESDU we encourage you to watch our demo
and download additional information:

• View the IHS ESDU Aerospace Design Flash Demo  
• For a complete listing of IHS ESDU products and abstracts please visit the IHS ESDU Portal