AER120   Introduction to Aerospace Design   (10 credits)

Description

This module will introduce students to the basic concepts of aircraft and aircraft design with a particular focus on systems engineering, interdisciplinary design and aircraft performance. Students will learn about the basic principles of aircraft flight and how the performance of aircarft can be calculated during a typical flight including take-off, landing, climb, cruise and turning. The basic principles of systems engineering as an approach to aircraft design will be taught and the importance of considering aircraft design as an interdisciplinary design problem covered. Students will undertake a group exercise to research a design of an aircraft covering choices of materials, structures, aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics and control. Students will be introduced to Matlab as an engineering tool, taught the basics of engineering drawing and computer aided design (CAD) and develop an appreciation of basic workshop tools (engineering applications).Website Version:This module will introduce students to the basic concepts of aircraft and spacecraft with a particular focus on calculating basic performance criteria that are key to the initial design process. Students will learn about the basic principles of aircraft and space flight and how the performance of aircraft and spacecraft can be calculated during typical flights and missions respectively.

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