Aerospace Engineering with a Year in North America MEng

Core modules:

Aerospace Engineering Design, Build and Test

This module will introduce students to the basic concepts of aircraft design and culminate in the design, build and testing of small model aircraft for which students have to predict its flight performance.

20 credits

Introduction to Aerospace Materials

This module examines how the macroscopic properties of materials are determined by the arrangement of, and bonding between atoms. How processing can affect these atomic arrangements and thus the microstructure and properties of a material is considered. Finally materials selection for aerospace applications taking into account multiple criteria is introduced.

20 credits

Mathematics (Electrical)

This module aims to reinforce students' previous knowledge and to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the level 2 mathematics courses in the appropriate engineering department.

20 credits

Aerospace Aerodynamics and Thermodynamics

This course provides an overview of the fundamental principles of aerodynamics and thermodynamics essential to an aerospace engineer.

The course provides a solid theoretical foundation for further study in later years. It is also designed so as to allow students to carry out relatively simple calculations for the purposes of aerodynamic and thermodynamic design of components and systems.

15 credits

Introduction to Aerospace Electrical and Electronic Circuits

This module introduces the concepts and analytical tools for predicting the behaviour of combinations of passive circuit elements, resistance, capacitance and inductance driven by ideal voltage and/or current sources which may be ac or dc sources. The ideas involved are important not only from the point of view of modelling real electronic circuits but also because many complicated processes in biology, medicine and mechanical engineering are themselves modelled by electric circuits. The passive ideas are extended to active electronic components; diodes, transistors and operational amplifiers and the circuits in which these devices are used. Transformers, magnetics and dc motors are also covered.

15 credits

Engineering Statics and Dynamics

The course provides the fundamental concepts and techniques used in Engineering Statics and Dynamics. Two-dimensional statics are covered including force and moment systems, free body diagrams, equilibrium, friction, and the application to typical aerospace engineering machines. An introduction to the essentials of three-dimensional statics is included. Two-dimensional kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies are covered. An introduction to the use of the Work-Energy methods in dynamics is given. No prior knowledge of statics or dynamics is assumed; the treatment concentrates on physical understanding and applications in aerospace engineering, rather than using advanced mathematical treatments.

15 credits

Introduction to Systems Analysis and Control

This module will introduce principles of modelling of simple continuous dynamical systems. This module also introduces analysis of linear models. It includes a detailed analysis of the dynamical behaviour of 1st and 2nd order systems linking behaviour to physical parameters, e.g. Rise time, settling time, overshoot, steady-state. Damping and damping ratio and resonance. Frequency response is also discussed. We will introduce control and feedback as a topic by providing examples of open-loop and closedloop control, and undertake detailed analysis of linear models with a focus on 1st and 2nd order systems. Students are introduced to simple practical feedback mechanisms, including PID controllers and performance criteria such as offset, stability, poles and zeros. You will learn about the principles of how to use Laplace Transforms to solve linear differential equations, and for system representation, using transfer functions and block diagram algebra. You will also develop an appreciation of frequency-domain implications of system analysis through the use of Fourier series. MATLAB is used to reinforce the simulation and analysis of all module contents and coursework assignments.

15 credits

Global Engineering Challenge Week

The Faculty-wide Global Engineering Challenge Week is a compulsory part of the first-year programme. The project has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills as well as widen their horizons as global citizens. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of 5-6, for a full week, all students in the Faculty choose from a number of projects arranged under a range of themes including Water, Waste Management, Energy and Digital with scenarios set in an overseas location facing economic challenge. Some projects are based on the Engineers Without Borders Engineering for people design challenge*.

*The EWB challenge provides students with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real, inspiring, sustainable and cross-cultural development projects identified by EWB with its community-based partner organisations.

Core modules:

Control Systems Design and Analysis

This module gives a solid theoretical foundation for understanding feedback control system analysis, design and application and is suitable for general engineering students. This is supported by hardware laboratories, PC laboratory activities and coursework. Content covers standard analysis tools such as root-loci, Bode diagrams, Nyquist diagrams and z-transforms. The latter part of the course focuses on the design of common feedback strategies using these analysis tools and students will undertake indicative designs and reinforce learning through application to laboratory and hardware systems. 

20 credits

Aerospace Fluids Engineering

The module is designed to consolidate and extend the students' understanding of basic fluid flow properties, fluid flows, and applying analysis techniques to solve engineering fluids problems. The module will cover the use of both integral control volume and differential analysis techniques. These will be applied to a range of simple engineering fluid systems, Newtonian laminar analysis will be applied to internal flows. The boundary layer will be introduced and related to the concepts of drag and heat transfer. The concepts of compressible nozzle flow, choking and shock waves will be covered. Sub-sonic and sonic compressible flow will be introduced. The students will also be introduced to computational fluid dynamics using FLUENT and given hands-on experience.

10 credits

Aerostructures

The overall aim of the course is to explain clearly some fundamental theories of solid mechanics for the modelling of basic aircraft structure problems. In specific terms this means truss system analysis, bending of statically determinate and indeterminate beams, analysis of cross-sections, axes of symmetry, section properties for structural beams, beams loaded by moments and by UDLs, Macaulay's method for beams under point loads and moments, general stress, strain, and displacements in open and closed section thin-walled beams, shear flow and shear centre, torsion of closed and open section beams, torsion of beams, aircraft structural materials, and aircraft structural components.

10 credits

Group Design, Build and Test: Air Systems Development

This module is a 2nd year group design project where the students design and manufacture an air system meeting customer requirements.
The module brings together aspects of teamwork, project management, materials, structures, aircraft design and lifecycles, computer simulation, analysis, manufacture, certification and sustainability.

10 credits

Mathematics for Aerospace Engineers

This module consolidates previous mathematical knowledge and develops new mathematical techniques relevant to the Aerospace Engineering discipline.

10 credits

Engineering - You're Hired

The Faculty-wide Engineering - You're Hired Week is a compulsory part of the second year programme, and the week has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of about six, students will work in interdisciplinary teams on a real world problem over an intensive week-long project. The projects are based on problems provided by industrial partners, and students will come up with ideas to solve them and proposals for a project to develop these ideas further.

Optional modules:

Electrical Energy Management and Conversion

An outline of the electrical supply infrastructure, including the plurality of electrical energy generation modalities currently in use, is followed by elementary ideas behind protection, safety and tariff structures. The characteristics of electrical machines are discussed together with the circuit strategies that can be used to control of machine performance. Circuits for more general high efficiency power management are also described. Circuits dealing with power will dissipate energy and that energy must be removed if overheating is to be avoided - elements of thermal management are discussed in the context of audio power amplifiers.

20 credits

Introduction to Systems Engineering & Software

Engineering applications are typically complex, so students also need to acquire proficiency in analytical problem solving and the ability to apply a systems engineering approach, as a systematic methodology to design and implementation. A group project will develop an understanding of the type of problem solving and systems engineering needed for the design and build of a computer-controlled system. Students will improve skills in communication, team working and reflective practices as a result of the group project. Engineering applications in manufacturing, aerospace, robotics, energy, finance, healthcare and a host of other areas are predominately computer based or computer controlled. In order to be able to create computer based and computer controlled applications, students need to acquire proficiency in relevant software and programming languages. In this module, labs and several individual assignments will build proficiency in creating C programs as solutions to engineering problems.

20 credits

Signals, Systems, and Communications

Modern communication systems provide the backbone of the technological development that is driving the information age. The increase of data analytics, machine learning, and networked solutions pushes the trend towards an increasing use of digital communication systems as means of enabling reliable and efficient information exchange. The aim of the unit is to provide the fundamentals of signals, systems and communication systems. The mathematical principles of signal theory and systems theory will be applied within a communication theory context. The unit will provide the students with the tools to analyse and solve complex open-ended communication problems and to evaluate the technological constraints of the proposed solutions.

20 credits

Applied Aerospace Heat Transfer

The objective of this module is to teach the student the fundamentals and basic applications of heat transfer.
The module is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different heat transfer process, namely conduction,
convection and radiation. The three processes are often combined in the problems studied in order to explain
heat transfer in a real-life engineering system works. The conduction part of the module focuses on steady
heat conduction in one dimensional systems, conduction through fins to increase efficiency and transient heat
conduction. Numerical methods applied to conduction problems will also be briefly introduced. Forced
convection will be studied in internal flows and in external flows, and natural convection will also be
introduced. Heat exchangers will be studied and knowledge of conduction and forced convection will both be
used. Thermal radiation will focus on the physics and on network analysis to solve engineering problems.
Group work will be very important in the laboratory experiments and for oral presentations on applications of heat exchangers.

10 credits

Design of Structures, Machines and Systems

The course brings together analytical, computational and empirical approaches to the design and optimisation of structures and systems. A specific design is used as a thematic project in which the functional analysis and eventual synthesis are brought together. The task is such that no optimal solution is readily available. This enables the student to develop their skill in formulating analytical and computational models and evaluating them so as to develop an optimal design solution.

10 credits

Dynamics of Aerospace Structures and Machines

The aim of this module is to develop understanding of the fundamental concepts governing the dynamics of aerospace structures and machines.Website Version:The aim of this module is to develop understanding of the fundamental concepts governing the dynamics of structures and machines for aerospace engineering. It covers two principal areas: structural vibration and rigid body mechanics. In structural vibration, the single degree of freedom model is used to study the free response and forced vibration of systems subjected to steady state, impulse and arbitrary loading. Aspects of rigid body mechanics include the analysis of common two-dimensional mechanisms and the dynamics of rigid rotors, including gyroscopic motion.

10 credits

Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving

This module introduces basic concepts of computer programming, through an introduction to problem solving and the development of simple algorithms using the programming language Python. The module will stress the importance of good programming style and good code design and will introduce how an object-oriented approach can help to achieve these aims.

10 credits

Materials Selection and Fracture Mechanics

The first half of the course aims to build a comprehensive understanding of the interrelationship between materials selection, materials processing, product design and product performance in order to develop a holistic approach to optimum selection of materials for engineering and industrial applications. Topics examined include methods of materials and process selection through an applied open-ended project.This module also introduces students to fracture mechanics. In the fracture mechanics topics covered in some detail include linear elastic fracture mechanics, cyclic fatigue, stress corrosion and failure prediction. A brief introduction to elastic-plastic fracture mechanics is also included.

10 credits

Selection and Processing of Aerospace Materials

This module will consist of two distinct parts. The first part will examine the use of polymers and composite materials within an aerospace context and will focus on structure, property and processing relationships for polymers, reinforcing fibres and both polymer, carbon-carbon, and ceramic matrix composite materials. The second part of the module will provide a broad introduction to the main processing routes for metallic components used in aerospace applications, and will look in detail at techniques such as casting, rolling, forging, as well as the processing routes for metal matrix composites and advanced high strength steels. 

10 credits

Core modules:

Aerospace Engineering Study Abroad Year - Semester 1

The module consists of approved courses taken as a full time student at a partner Engineering School abroad. The courses are chosen to firstly, cover the core material of the third year and secondly, to prepare the student for study in the fourth year of the MEng Aerospace Engineering degree programme at the University of Sheffield. The arrangements and courses taken are subject to the approval of the Aerospace Engineering Study Abroad Tutor. The marks obtained in the courses taken abroad will be converted to an equivalent Sheffield University grade, the conversion being approved at a Board of Examiners. The Sheffield AER398 module grade will be obtained from the average of the best 75% of the individual modules taken abroad.

60 credits

Aerospace Engineering Study Abroad Year - Semester 2

The module consists of approved courses taken as a full time student at a partner Engineering School abroad. The courses are chosen to firstly, cover the core material of the third year and secondly, to prepare the student for study in the fourth year of the MEng Aerospace Engineering degree programme at the University of Sheffield. The arrangements and courses taken are subject to the approval of the Aerospace Engineering Study Abroad Tutor. The marks obtained in the courses taken abroad will be converted to an equivalent Sheffield University grade, the conversion being approved at a Board of Examiners. The Sheffield AER399 module grade will be obtained from the average of the best 75% of the individual modules taken abroad.

60 credits

Core modules:

Aerospace Individual Investigative Project

The project is designed to develop students' technical knowledge and understanding, technical and personal skills and an appreciation of the wider context of their studies. It gives students the opportunity to apply and develop further their knowledge and skills by applying them to a specific problem area. It is also intended to develop a greater level of student independence. The specific aims of the project are to:
- provide students with the freedom to explore possible solutions to real engineering problems, allowing them to demonstrate their understanding of practical aerospace engineering.
- enable students to exercise independent thought and judgement in conducting a technical investigation.

45 credits

Optional modules:

Advanced Aerospace Propulsion Technology

This module enhances students' foundational knowledge by introducing a more specialist Level 7 understanding of major aero propulsion devices. For example, the rocket design will be mastered from the design lessons and innovations of the rockets of historical importance. The more in depth analysis of the alternative air breathing engines such as ramjet, scramjet, and synergistic air-breathing rocket engine will be investigated. Then the advanced gas turbine off-design performance will be analysed. The advanced gas turbine combustion will also be investigated. Finally, the recent explosive development of electric/hybrid propulsion and aircraft will be examined.

15 credits

Advanced Control

The aim of this module is to provide you with an introduction to some of the advanced control techniques used in modern control engineering research and industrial applications. The module will cover both theory and practice, involving analysis and design.

Different control techniques and applications may be covered in different years. In all cases, the basic principles and concepts of a particular control technique will be introduced, and comparisons and contrasts will be made with other techniques. Subsequently, the design, analysis and implementation of advanced controllers or control laws will be covered, starting from the requirements of the basic control problem for the application at hand (i.e. stability in the presence of constraints; disturbance and noise rejection). Controller design will be illustrated by industrially-relevant case studies.

15 credits

Advanced Dynamics

In this module we will explore how linear/nonlinear structures vibrate and how we can model them in order to understand and optimise their complex behaviour both analytically and numerically. We will uncover the behaviour of theoretical nonlinear models and we will explore and evaluate the fascinating world of advanced dynamics, random vibration, nonlinear systems and chaos through lectures and dedicated reading. We link advanced engineering with concepts from physics and maths that are of core importance in the new era of engineering, considering structures from light aerospace structures to offshore wind turbines and space shuttles. Furthermore, we will discover the world of Hamiltonian mechanics by capturing its fundamental physics. The learning will be supported by dedicated tutorial sessions.

15 credits

Advanced Engineering Fluid Dynamics

The module introduces advanced subjects in fluid mechanics and focuses on the theory and applications of the fundamental physical laws governing Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid flows. The Navier-Stokes and continuity equations are revisited and the Energy and the general Scalar Transport Equations for compressible and multi-species mixture fluid flows will be derived. A key skill developed is problem solving in the area of advanced fluid mechanics through how equations, models and boundary conditions may be adapted and simplified to describe a wide variety of engineering flows such as creeping flows, laminar, turbulent, incompressible and compressible flows.

15 credits

Advanced Materials Manufacturing: Part I

This module covers a range of advanced materials manufacturing techniques that are either widely used or emerging in industry. Techniques include additive layer manufacturing, electron beam welding, superplastic forming, lithium battery manufacturing and advanced machining approaches. In addition, non-destructive evaluation techniques to ensure high levels of manufacturing integrity will be described. 

15 credits

Advanced Space Systems and Space Weather

The module provides you with an understanding of the concept advanced space systems, within the context of space weather and processes in the geo-space that can have hazardous effects on modern ground based and space based technological systems. It covers knowledge about susceptibility of services such as power supply, communications, transportation and navigation to space weather events, and introduces methodologies for space weather forecast based on systems engineering approaches from first principles. The module also provides knowledge of the requirements for transferring forecasting models into operational tools for space weather forecasting, before covering how space weather forecasting can assist in mitigating adverse effects of space weather.

15 credits

Aviation Safety and Aeroelasticity

This module covers the area of engineering related to safety in the aerospace sector by means of analytical techniques and study cases. The students will: develop a fundamental knowledge of the requirements for aviation safety in aircraft design and operation, learn about airworthiness and crashworthiness evaluate aircraft loading; be able to analyse different manoeuvres using heave/pitch aircraft models; and be able to calculate internal loads for steady and dynamic manoeuvres. The course will provide students with an understanding of aeroelastic phenomena including flutter. This course provides the methodology and techniques for prediction/detection of a number of aeroelastic effects.

15 credits

Design and Manufacture of Composites

This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of both the design and manufacture of polymer composites and is presented in two sections. First, design of composites is taught via tutorials and practicals on classical laminate theory and ESAComp software. An extended series of worked examples provides you with the basic tools you need to design effective composite parts. Second, manufacture of composites is taught via lectures. You will learn multiple routes for making composite parts alongside practical issues such as defects, machining/joints, failure, testing and non destructive testing, repair and SMART composites. 

15 credits

Electronic Communication Technologies

This module aims to provide you with a range of skills that are required when designing circuits and systems at high frequencies. Topics covered will include: electromagnetic interference mechanisms, circuit design techniques, filtering, screening, transmission lines, S-parameters, Smith charts, equivalent circuits for passive and active devices, radio frequency (RF) amplifier design, noise performance and nonlinearities of RF circuits and systems.

15 credits

Industrial Applications of Finite Element Analysis

The module aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles of finite element modelling and its application to solve industrial engineering problems. A set of industry-relevant problems will be provided to students along with experimental results for model validation. Students will be allocated one of their preferred projects and will have to devise a modelling strategy to solve their particular problem. Knowledge will be drawn from lectures introducing the theory behind finite element modelling of dynamic problems for modal and transient analyses, non-linear problems including contact, material behaviour and large deformation as well as fracture.

15 credits

Industrial training programme (ITP) in Avionics

This unit will provide an insight into the avionics, data processing and autonomous systems. This will be collaboration with GE Aviation Systems (Cheltenham). GE Aviation Systems will set a real technical challenge and small group sizes will undertake experimental work and present a report that will require an in-depth literature review. To supplement the main technical challenge there will be focussed technical seminars on relevant topics. These topics will be provided by both academics and industry engineers. In addition, GE Aviation will provide seminars on employability skills, data handling, quality and safety in the aerospace materials sector.

15 credits

Mobile Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Robotics and autonomous systems are having an increasing impact on society and the way we live. From advanced manufacturing and surgical robots to unmanned aerial systems and driverless cars, this exciting area is presenting increasing technological challenges. This module provides you with the advanced knowledge and understanding to apply control and systems engineering concepts to the closely related disciplines of robotics and autonomous systems. The module covers theoretical and technical analysis, and design aspects of mobile and manipulator robots with reference to their applications. The module further covers advanced techniques in autonomous decision making for robots and autonomous vehicles.

15 credits

Motion Control and Servo Drives

This module investigates, in detail, the performance and operational characteristic of both modern a.c. and d.c. variable speed drives and actuation systems, as well as their applications in electric/hybrid vehicle traction.

15 credits

Multisensor and Decision Systems

The ability to use data and information from multiple sources and make informed decisions based on that data is key to many applications, e.g. manufacturing, aerospace, robotics, finance and healthcare. Through effective use of multisensory data and decision making we can reduce uncertainty, improve robustness and reliability, enhance efficiency and ultimately improve the performance of systems. In this module you will develop an in depth knowledge and understanding of multisensor and decision systems and the underlying mathematics and algorithms. You will develop your confidence in solving complex problems requiring the application of multisensory and decision techniques to a wide variety of applications.

15 credits

Real-Time Embedded Systems

Many systems, for example; a control system, fault detection system or health monitoring system are required to work in real-time. Such systems can be developed and implemented using a CPU and external devices in an embedded system application/device to perform the desired tasks in the “real” world. This module covers the hardware associated with building an embedded system and how the desired functionality and thus real-time operation of an embedded system can be realised through software/hardware.

15 credits

Testing and verification in safety-critical systems

This module provides an introduction to the processes and problems of building complex software such as for use in aerospace applications. Topics covered can be split into four major groups: safety, specification languages, concepts of software engineering, different methods of software testing. A substantial amount of time will be spent on the ideas of software testing and specific testing techniques.
1. Safety includes software and systems safety, methods of performing hazard analysis, human factors and the IEC 61508 standard.
2. Specification languages such as Statecharts.
3. Software engineering concepts focus on the software lifecycle, safe language subsets, software testing and maintenance.
4. The software testing part is concerned with advanced approaches to generating software tests.Students should be aware that there are limited places available on this course.

15 credits

Industrial Training Programme: Aerospace Materials and Manufacturing

This module will provide an insight into the design, manufacture and in-service performance of aerospace materials and components. This will normally be a collaboration with Rolls-Royce (Derby) who will set a real technical challenge. In small groups you will undertake experimental work and present a report that will require an in-depth literature review. To supplement the main technical challenge there will be focused technical seminars on relevant topics. These topics will be provided by both academics and engineers. In addition, we will provide seminars on employability skills, data handling, quality and safety in the aerospace materials sector.

15 credits

Advanced Space Systems and Space Weather

The module provides you with an understanding of the concept advanced space systems, within the context of space weather and processes in the geo-space that can have hazardous effects on modern ground based and space based technological systems. It covers knowledge about susceptibility of services such as power supply, communications, transportation and navigation to space weather events, and introduces methodologies for space weather forecast based on systems engineering approaches from first principles. The module also provides knowledge of the requirements for transferring forecasting models into operational tools for space weather forecasting, before covering how space weather forecasting can assist in mitigating adverse effects of space weather.

15 credits

Rapid Control Prototyping

This module represents an opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience of designing and implementing advanced controllers upon a challenging, real-world control problem. Uniquely, you will be issued with your own, portable control hardware for the duration of the course. You will learn how to interface such a system to industry-standard software using a data acquisition device, before developing your own simulation models of the hardware. These models will be used to synthesise a feedback controller, and verified in simulation before being implemented upon the hardware. The resultant controller will then be refined in a cycle of rapid control prototyping.

15 credits

Data Coding Techniques for Communication and Storage

Processing techniques to enable transmission and storage of data, in a reliable and secure fashion, are a key element in nearly all modern communication systems. This module deals with data-coding techniques required for reliable and secure data transmission and storage. It covers various aspects of digital communication combining elementary communication theory with practical solutions to problems encountered.

15 credits

Principles of Communications

This course considers the mathematical foundations and the derived theories and techniques used by a wide range of communication systems, particularly the more recent digital systems. The aim is to provide the very mathematical foundation for understanding modern communication systems, present the structure of modern communication systems and the basic issues at each stage in the system, and create a theoretical background that applies to all communication systems and is not affected by any particular technology.

15 credits