Aerospace Engineering MEng

Core modules:

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 structures encountered in aerospace engineering applications (such as beams, frames and trusses). 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

Aerospace Aerodynamics and Thermodynamics

This course provides an overview of the fundamental principles of the behaviour of liquids and gases that are essential to an aerospace engineer. Students will encounter the physical basis of important properties, their evaluation and application to practical examples. The course then teaches the interrelationship between pressure, flow and temperature and how this affects the design, performance and energy terms of aerospace engineering components and systems. Irreversibility, both from the point of friction and entropy change will be examined both qualitatively and quantitatively.

The first half of the module covers Aerodynamics and fluid mechanics. This includes; properties of fluids, the continuity and Bernoulli's equations, dimensional analysis and external and internal flow.

The second part covers thermodynamics. The topics taught are: Thermodynamic properties of materials, the first law of Thermodynamics including closed and open systems, the second law of Thermodynamics and entropy, and power cycles and the jet engine.

15 credits

Aerospace Engineering Design, Build and Test

This module will introduce students to the basic concepts of aircraft and spacecraft design with a focus on systems engineering, interdisciplinary design and performance. Students will learn about the basic principles of flight and how performance can be calculated during a typical flight/mission including take-off, landing, climb, cruise and turning and orbital mechanics.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 are covered and illustrated through the design, build and test activity. Students will undertake an exercise to design, build and test an aircraft, covering choices of materials, structures, aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics and control. Predictions of the aircraft performance will be undertaken in order to model the flight time or a similar parameter, being tested against the actual performance of the aircraft. They will also undertake a range of workshop practice elements in order to learn to operate and utilise appropriate building techniques for the aircraft, satisfying the requirements of 'Workshop Practice' as required for accreditation. Students will be introduced to computer coding 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).

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

Analysis and Modelling of Aerospace Systems

This unit will introduce systems and control engineering and its application to aerospace engineering. Examples of aerospace systems are given and the principles of modelling and analysing simple aerospace systems are covered.

This unit begins with system modelling and analysis in general, covering linear modelling of low-order systems. Key parameters and terms are introduced such as rise time, settling time and overshoot. The way these techniques can be applied to aerospace systems is demonstrated. The module further covers fundamental control topics such as open and closed loop control, proportional-differential compensators and block diagram manipulation. Laboratory/computer work (e.g. MATLAB) is set to give students an opportunity to apply and practise what they have learned, and to provide the foundation for practical avionics work in group and individual projects throughout the degree.

At the end of the unit, a competent student will appreciate the value of systems analysis and modelling, and be able to apply their learning to some relatively simple practical aerospace examples.

15 credits

Electrical Fundamentals

This module introduces the concepts and analytical tools for examining the behaviour of combinations of passive circuit elements including resistors, capacitors and inductors  when driven by ideal voltage and current sources. The ideas involved are important not only from the point of view of modelling avionics circuits but also because many complicated processes in aerospace engineering (as well as other disciplines) are themselves modelled by electric circuits. The passive ideas are extended to active electronic components such as diodes, transistors and operational amplifiers and the circuits in which these devices are used. Transformers, magnetics and dc motors are also covered.

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.

Mathematics (Electrical and Aerospace)

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. The module is delivered via online lectures, reinforced with weekly interactive problem classes..

20 credits

Core modules:

Control Engineering

This unit covers feedback control design and corresponding system modelling and analysis. The principles of closed-loop control, transfer functions and stability are applied to simplified typical aerospace systems. Manipulation and use of performance specifications for a continuous-time control system are covered. Analytical and presentation tools for system modelling and study are introduced, including the root-locus method. Common compensator structures are covered and applied to aerospace systems.

15 credits

Embedded Programming

Programming of embedded systems is fundamental to modern control engineering. This unit introduces students to programming relevant to embedded systems. Instruction is given in coding from first principles including imperative programming, objects (as data structures), functions and variables. This is extended to low-level considerations in embedded systems such as memory, execution, registers and peripheral interfacing. Students are introduced to microcontrollers as the heart of embedded systems and gain practical experience in their use. Some common peripherals required in aerospace engineering, such as analogue-to-digital converters, are described.

15 credits

Aerospace Design II

In this group design project, students design, manufacture and test a space or air system meeting customer needs which have been defined within a statement of requirement.  The module is scenario-based and is intended to provide a sense of realism, drawing on real-life project processes and methodologies. 

The module brings together aspects of teamwork, project and risk management, project progress tracking and reporting, materials, structures, air/space system design and lifecycles, computer simulation, analysis, manufacture, certification and sustainability.

Students will test and analyse the performance of the systems they build.

15 credits

Aerodynamics and Heat Transfer

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. Additionally, the module will teach the students the fundamentals and basic applications of heat transfer. The fluid mechanics knowledge developed will be used to aid understanding of the convection aspects of heat transfer.

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 including internal and external flow. 

The boundary layer will be covered and related to the concept of drag. 

The concepts of compressible nozzle flow, choking and shock waves will be covered. Sub-sonic and sonic compressible flow will be introduced. Students will also be introduced to the computational fluid dynamics.

Conduction, convection and radiation will be covered. The three processes are often combined in the problems studied in order to explain heat transfer in a real-life engineering system with particular application to Aerospace Engineering problems. 

Forced convection will be studied in internal flows and in external flows, linking to the fluid mechanics part of the module. Natural convection will also be introduced. Heat exchangers will be studied. Thermal radiation will focus on the physics and radiation exchange between surfaces.

Laboratory experiments will reinforce knowledge throughout the module.

15 credits

Aerospace Structures and Dynamics

This module will examine the properties of aerospace structures both statically and dynamically. 

In static analysis, strut structures and beams will be studied in detail. The course will study statically determinate beams with different cross-sections, axes of symmetry and sectional properties, loaded under point loads, uniformly distributed loads and moments. Using Macaulay's method, analysis of the beam loading will be undertaken to allow the property determination of representative aircraft structures under bending, torsion and warping.

In dynamic analysis, the course will concentrate on structural vibration and rigid body dynamics as applied to aerostructures. In structural vibration, the single degree of freedom model will be used to study free and forced vibration of structures under steady state, impulse and arbitrary loading. In rigid body dynamics, common two-dimensional mechanisms will be studied, including analysis of rigid rotors and gyroscopic motion.

15 credits

Aerospace Materials

This module extends the student understanding of materials selection, manufacture and properties. There is a focus on the use of metallic and composite materials in aerospace applications, with the course looking at manufacturing processes applications and also mechanical properties and failure processes that students need to be aware of if these materials are to be successfully applied. Students will study: Light alloys and polymer matrix composites for fuselage applications; Nickel Superalloys and ceramic matrix composites for engine applications; Fracture and fatigue processes in metallic structures; An overview of how composite failure differs to metallic materials.

15 credits

Electrical Energy

This unit provides an overview of the electrical power infrastructure on aircraft, including the many electrical energy generation and conversion techniques in use. The characteristics of some electrical machines are discussed together with circuit strategies to supply electrical energy to the machines. Circuits for more general high efficiency power management are also described. Fundamental electromagnetics, power electronics and thermal design are also covered. The unit will leave a student with foundational understanding of the power systems on aircraft.

15 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.

Mathematics II

This module consolidates previous mathematical knowledge and develops new mathematical techniques relevant to aerospace engineering. Topics covered include functions of a complex variable, transforms, Fourier series, functions of multiple variables, double integrals, vector calculus, and probability.

15 credits

Core modules:

Aerospace Design III

This module is an L3 group design project where the students design, analyse and iterate prototype elements of an air system to meet a specific customer need which have been defined within a customer Statement of Requirement (SOR). The module is scenario based and provides a sense of realism drawing on real-life project processes and methodologies. Module AER304 is a 2-part module where students will complete the Concept, Assessment and Demonstration phases of the CADMID air system lifecycle in Phase 1 (Autumn Semester) prior to manufacturing, testing and flying their final UAS design in module Phase 2 (Spring Semester). The module brings together aspects of teamwork, project and risk management, project progress tracking and reporting, materials, structures, aircraft design lifecycles, computer simulation, analysis, prototyping, airworthiness and system safety cases, certification and sustainability.Students will be given a specific project role which will be defined in a Terms of Reference. Students will use CAD, simulation and modelling software to produce a digital twin of their air system to confirm its suitability to meet the specified requirements. Prototyping of the wing, structure, propulsion, flight avionics and mission systems will be conducted to inform decision-making and to aid down selection of the most appropriate technical solution. An air system safety case (ASSC) will be generated during the project to capture all of the relevant information accumulated during the design and development of the UAS to prove that it is safe to operate and to confirm that it is airworthy and in compliance with codes of practice, industry regulations, standards and certification. Students will produce a range of project documentation, status updates, a project slide pack, technical reports and will present their final design via formal presentations and a poster to a panel of experts and non-experts who will assess whether the students have met the design requirements.

20 credits

Aerospace Electrical Power Systems

Aircraft, missiles and space vehicles have complex power requirements both in primary propulsion and in ancillary systems including flight surface control, control and instrumentation systems and passenger comfort. This module examines traditional electrical power systems on aircraft and emerging systems which are replacing pneumatic and cable-based power transfer. Detailed aerospace power systems are covered including aerospace grid systems, as well as protection and aircraft power plants. Aircraft electrification for more-electric and fully-electric aircraft is also covered.

10 credits

Aircraft Dynamics and Control

Aerospace engineering is a fascinating area where knowledge from different disciplines is needed. The aim of this module is to provide the student with such a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the principles of aircraft performance, flight dynamics and the problems of controlling an aircraft's motion. Various aspects of aircraft performance including straight, level flight and manoeuvres are covered. The module introduces the equations of motion for a rigid body aircraft and the aerodynamic forces and moments are then determined. Static and dynamic stability and response characteristics are defined. Flying and handling qualities of an aircraft, and disturbances affecting its motion, are analysed.

10 credits

Aerodynamic Design

This module aims to provide the students with a good understanding of basic theories in aerodynamics and its integration in the design process. It emphasises on the role that aerodynamics plays in engineering product design, where the forces exerted by the air flow around the geometries are crucial, e.g. for an aircraft or a racing car. The aerodynamic principles will be demonstrated through their roles in aeronautical and automotive vehicle designs. The students should be able to apply these basic principles to other areas of applications in broader engineering areas, such as the design of wind turbines, engine fans, buildings, sailing boats, etc.

10 credits

Aero Propulsion

The aim of this module is to provide the students with an understanding of principles of operation of gas turbines, as applied to aero propulsion and power generation.The module introduces the theory of gas turbines and how they should function. The study is based on fundamental thermodynamic and fluid mechanic analyses and introduces methods for improving efficiencies and increasing specific work output. The effect of simple thermodynamics of combustion, jet engine losses and efficiences are considered, together with an analysis of turbojet and turbofan designs.Website Version:This module provides students with an understanding of principles of operation of gas turbines, pulse-jets, RAM-jets and solid and liquid fuelled rocket engines as applied to aero propulsion. The understanding is built upon fundamental thermodynamic and fluid mechanic analyses of components and systems for each propulsion method. Methods for improving efficiencies and increasing specific work output of components are also introduced as well as an introduction to combustion, losses and efficiencies.

10 credits

Aircraft Design

This module provides a comprehensive knowledge about all elements of conceptual aircraft design and promotes the learning and application of the industrial procedure for designing an aircraft based on given requirements. Topics include: conceptual design and sizing, preliminary design, matching plot, wing design, propulsion system selection, fuselage design, etc. The teaching will be based on constructive alignment by making use of specific active learning techniques during teaching sessions.

10 credits

Accounting and Law for Engineers

The module is designed to introduce engineering students to key areas of accounting and legal risk that engineers should be aware of in their working environment. The module will draw directly on practical issues of budgeting, assessing financial risks and making financial decisions in the context of engineering projects and/or product development. At the same time, the module will develop students' understanding of the legal aspects of entering into contracts for the development and delivery of engineering projects and products, and enhance their awareness of environmental regulation, liability for negligence, intellectual property rights and the importance of data protection. Through a series of parallel running lectures in the two disciplines, the module will provide a working knowledge of the two areas and how they impinge on engineering practice.

10 credits

You'll take either the Aeromechanics or Avionics stream.

Aeromechanics stream optional modules (all Aeromechanics students must take MEC327 Structural Vibration):

Structural Vibration

In this module we will explore how structures vibrate and how we can model them in order to understand and optimise their behaviour. We will look at how to model systems/structures mathematically as multi-degree of freedom systems and as continuous systems. The module will link theoretical models with experimental modal analysis, where knowledge of the system is derived from measurements (such as accelerations). You will explore the world of dynamics through lectures and dedicated reading. The theoretical learning will be supported by two laboratory experiments to be carried out in groups. Your understanding of experimental modal analysis will be cemented by coding your own analysis tool and applying it to data gathered in the lab.

10 credits

Space Systems Engineering

The module aims to introduce different mission types including communications, earth observation, weather, navigation, astronomy, scientific, interplanetary missions and space stations. Concepts of orbital motion such as Kepler Laws, Elliptic, Parabolic and Hyperbolic orbits are introduced. Hohmann orbit transfer, ground station visibility, launch windows are explained. The module provides an understanding of spacecraft sub-systems and control including attitude control and thermal control, as well as providing knowledge of propulsion systems for example chemical rockets, electric propulsion, nuclear rockets, and solar sails. Various concepts related to space environment are explored including, sun, solar wind, solar cycles, magnetosphere, magnetic storms, and geomagnetic indices. The module explains space weather phenomena and concepts. The module considers ground induced current and its effect on modern technological systems. Methodology that is used to forecast of space weather parameters are discussed.

10 credits

Aerospace Metals

This course builds on the fundamental physical metallurgy of alloy steels, stainless steels, aluminium and titanium alloys to demonstrate the purpose and effect of alloying and its implications for the processing, microstructure and performance of structural aerospace components. The aim is to provide insight into the design and manufacture of steels for structural aerospace applications. Topics covered will include physical metallurgy, secondary processing, heat treatment, machining, fabrication and finishing of the main classes of alloy employed, as well as relationships between processing, microstructure and performance, and their implication for alloy design. 

The fundamental characteristics of aluminium, magnesium and titanium to demonstrate the purpose and effects of alloying and its implications for processing, properties and applications will also be discussed. It aims to provide an overview of the basic characteristics, processing, structure, properties and applications of engineering light metals and alloys. Applications and case studies have a bias towards the automotive and aerospace industries.

10 credits

Composite Materials and Micromechanics

This module starts with an introduction to the different types of composite materials that either exist in nature or are man-made. Reinforcing theories are discussed as are the strengths and weaknesses of composite materials. The aim is to acquaint students with the constituents of composite materials, fibres and matrices. Running parallel to this is an examination of composite materials from a micromechanics point of view. Fibre statistics, classical laminate theory and shear lag theory (and more) are used to predict and understand the properties of composites. A series of problem classes are used to help students practise using the equations and interpreting the output.

10 credits

Advanced Engineering Thermodynamic Cycles

The course will consolidate and expand upon the fundamental and general background to Thermofluids engineering developed during first and second year courses. This will be achieved through the study of more realistic systems, machines, devices as well as their application. To introduce students to more realistic energy conversion and power production processes. Use of irreversibility to analyse plant. Introduction of reheat and heat recovery as methods of achieving improved efficiency. To look at total energy use by means of combined gas and steam and combined heat and power cycles and understand some of the environmental issues. To look at heat pump cycles, refrigeration cycles and the use of ideal gas mixtures in thermodynamic problems.

10 credits

Finite Element Techniques

This module provides students with an understanding of the fundamentals of the finite element method and how it can be implemented, using industry standard software, to perform accurate and efficient static, structural analyses.  It covers geometry simplification, material assignment, mesh generation, boundary conditions and loads, verification, validation, and post-processing of the results.  Students will use this knowledge to develop models to address a range of problems using a variety of modeling techniques in computer labs, with additional support provided through tutorial sessions.

10 credits

Computational Fluid Dynamics

The module introduces fundamental concepts of Computational Fluid Dynamics from the governing physical principles to their mathematical definition, approximation and numerical solution, with an emphasis on the importance of experimental and theoretical validation. The course explains the typical steps for a robust use of CFD analysis to predict the behaviour of complex fluid flows encountered in typical engineering applications, including turbulent flows. Students will consolidate their understanding by performing and critically assessing the results of a CFD analysis of a typical and industrially relevant fluid problem.

10 credits

Avionics stream optional modules:

Digital Signal Processing

The aim is to introduce students to digital processing techniques, including sampling and analysis of digital signals, design of digital filers, and the introduction of digital image processing. Discrete signals and systems are studied, with an emphasis on the frequency-domain theory necessary for the analysis of discrete signals and design of digital filters. The concepts associated with digital images and some basic digital image processing operations are also covered. 

10 credits

Space Systems Engineering

The module aims to introduce different mission types including communications, earth observation, weather, navigation, astronomy, scientific, interplanetary missions and space stations. Concepts of orbital motion such as Kepler Laws, Elliptic, Parabolic and Hyperbolic orbits are introduced. Hohmann orbit transfer, ground station visibility, launch windows are explained. The module provides an understanding of spacecraft sub-systems and control including attitude control and thermal control, as well as providing knowledge of propulsion systems for example chemical rockets, electric propulsion, nuclear rockets, and solar sails. Various concepts related to space environment are explored including, sun, solar wind, solar cycles, magnetosphere, magnetic storms, and geomagnetic indices. The module explains space weather phenomena and concepts. The module considers ground induced current and its effect on modern technological systems. Methodology that is used to forecast of space weather parameters are discussed.

10 credits

State-Space Control Design

The aims of this modules are: to introduce state-space methods for the analysis and design of controllers for multivariable systems; to teach the use of analytical tools and methods for state-space control design; to demonstrate similarities between continuous and sampled data systems; and to extend the analysis to non-linear systems.

Material to be covered includes: Structural properties (modal decomposition, controllability, observability, stability); design (pole assignment, observer design, separation principle, internal model principle, optimal control, LQG, reference tracking, integral control) of continuous systems and equivalents for sampled-data systems.

10 credits

Robotic Systems

Robotics is having an increasing impact on society and the way we live. From advanced manufacturing to unmanned aerial systems and driverless cars this exciting area is presenting increasing technological challenges. This unit provides students with the advanced knowledge and understanding to apply control and systems engineering concepts to the field of robotics. The unit covers the theoretical foundations of manipulators and mobile robots, and reviews robotic systems with reference to their applications.

10 credits

Communication Electronics

This module introduces the basic structure of a communication system and examines the various circuits and signal engineering strategies that are necessary to make a system work. The fundamental building blocks of a communications system are introduced and analysed in terms of the critical design metrics. Following on from the system approach, a range of circuit components are introduced and analysed such as filters and oscillators. This approach will provide you with a range of levels of system and component understanding such that you can apply these to designs.

20 credits

Antennas, Radar and Navigation

This module is about understanding the fundamentals and common applications of antennas and radar systems. The basic characteristics of some of the commonly used antennas, and antenna systems, will be examined in the context of practical design and application. The radar part of the module will introduce the basic concepts of radar and examine various types of commercial and military radar system in common use. The application of radar and other methods in airborne navigation and landing systems will be discussed. Throughout the module emphasis will be placed on 'first-order' analysis techniques in order to reduce the use of advanced mathematics.

10 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

Aeromechanics stream optional modules (all Aeromechanics students must take MEC462 Aviation Safety and Aeroelasticity):

Aviation Safety and Aeroelasticity

This module covers the area of engineering related to aeroelasticity and safety by means of analytical techniques and study cases. The students will develop a fundamental knowledge of aeroelasticity and its implications for aircraft design and operation and evaluate aircraft loading; be able to analyse different manoeuvres using heave/pitch aircraft models; and be able to calculate internal loads in different manoeuvres. The course will provide students with an understanding of aeroelastic phenomena including flutter and divergence. This course provides the methodology and techniques for prediction/detection of a number of aeroelastic effects.

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

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

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

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 fluid flows. The Navier-Stokes and the continuity equations are revisited and the energy and the general Scalar Transport Equations for fluid flows will be derived. Creeping flows, laminar/turbulent boundary layer flows, shock and expansion waves, drag rise and supersonic aerofoils, etc. will be discussed. 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 fluid flows.

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 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

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, the design of composites is taught via tutorials on classical laminate theory. An extended series of worked examples provides you with the basic tools you need to design effective composite parts. Second, the 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

Advanced Materials Manufacturing

This unit introduces key concepts with regards to Materials 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution. Modelling and simulation is a key enabling technology within Aerospace Technology Institute's strategy to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050. Modelling allows for the rapid insertion of new materials and manufacturing processes, in addition to the improved understanding and optimisation of current methods. The course includes key drivers in reaching zero carbon emissions, covering lithium battery manufacturing and coating technologies.

This unit aims to provide knowledge and experience of advanced manufacturing techniques that will underpin the UK's future advanced materials manufacturing base and obtain knowledge and experience of advanced manufacturing process and material modelling to solve industrial problems.

 

15 credits

Avionics stream optional modules (all Avionics students must take ACS6127 Real-Time Embedded Systems):

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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