Aerospace Engineering MEng

The module offers a comprehensive account on the organisation practices across the aerospace industry worldwide. It strikes a balance on the discussions between common practices in the industry and individual characteristics of a range of typical/leading companies. 

The contents will cover, but are not restricted to, some of the following aspects:

• Products (air/space; commercial/military; airplanes/helicopters/UAVs)
• Markets (airframes/engines/systems - approximate shares of major players)
• Supply chain
• Research and development
• Regulatory aspects (airworthiness certification, regulatory bodies)

In addition to designated lectures delivered by University of Nottingham members of staff, invited speakers will be sought from the front runners in the industry. The intended candidates are as follows:

• An airframer (probably Airbus or Boeing UK)
• A major component supplier (e.g. GKN or Rolls Royce)
• An airline perspective (e.g. BA)
• A small component or equipment manufacturer, (e.g. an actuator company) 
• A government perspective (e.g. someone from BIS, the Aerospace and Defence KTN the EU or even the MAA regional aerospace alliance)
• A certification authority (e.g. CAA or similar).

Method and Frequency of Class:

 Method of Assessment:

The project aims to give experience in the practice of engineering at a professional level. It involves the planning, execution and reporting of a programme of work which will normally involve a mixture of experimental, theoretical and computational work together with a review of relevant previous work in the field.

This module presents a way of thinking about systems in general and a way of mapping the composition and integration of systems and of system components. It shows how projects are organised and managed in order to translate complex, diverse requirements into integrated, robust design solutions. The main topics are:

• How to think about systems and systems of systems
• Requirements and Capabilities
• Uncertainty, Risk, Sensitivity and Robustness
• Architectures, Integration and Interoperability
• A Systems Approach to Design and Optimisation
• A Systems Approach to Test and Evaluation
• Safety, Dependability and Predictability of Complex Systems
• Managing a Systems Engineering Process

The lectures are accompanied by a semester-long design challenge that lets the students gain practical experience of managing a systems engineering process.

The aim of this module is to provide students with detailed knowledge of the various Additive Manufacturing technologies including specific design, material and process principles. Students will gain an insight into current and future applications as well as the research developments required for the advancement of this technology.

This module will cover design, processing and material aspects of Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing technologies, as well as the current and potential applications of the technology in a wide variety of sectors. Topics covered will include:

• commercial and experimental systems
• material requirements
• design for Additive Manufacturing
• software and systems

This module covers advanced concepts and analytical methods used to analyse the dynamics and vibration of mechanical systems. Topics covered include:

• Lagrange’s Equation
• linearisation of equations of motion
• 3D Rigid Body Dynamics in moving (translating and rotating) reference frames
• dynamics and stability of rotating machinery
• vibration response of complex structures and machines

A number of engineering case studies are presented, including robotics manipulators, gyroscopic sensors, shaft whirl, shock response spectra, vibration absorbers, flight dynamics, and vibration of aerostructures. Skills in modelling and simulation with reference to MATLAB/Simulink are developed.

In this module you’ll develop an advanced understanding of fluid mechanics. You’ll use computational methods in fluid mechanics to further understand how techniques are applied to real fluid engineering problems. For example, you’ll study fluid/structure interactions, air flow, channel flow and water wave propagation. You’ll spend between two and four hours in lectures and two hours in computing sessions each week.

This module will allow the theoretical background needed to understand linear Finite Element analysis. To present a number of examples to illustrate how practical problems can be analysed using FE software.

You will cover the following topics: 

• Structural analysis
• Derivation of finite element equations using energy considerations
• Linear and quadratic elements
• Beam, plate and shell elements
• Practical applications of finite elements in stress analysis problems
• Examples of finite element applications
• Introduction to thermal problems
• Introduction to non-linear problems

This is an advanced module in fluid mechanics applicable to a wide range of engineering disciplines. You will develop understanding and application skills of basic concepts and fundamental knowledge in turbulence and turbulent flows in engineering.

Topics to be covered include:

• fundamental theory of turbulence
• statistical description of turbulence
• boundary layer structures
• turbulent flow control
• turbulence modelling and CFD
• experimental techniques
• practical and industrial examples

Delivery

Assessment method

This module examines, in-depth, the processes used for joining metallic (e.g. steel, aluminium and titanium alloys) and non-metallic (e.g. polymers and fibre reinforced composites) materials. 

Topics covered include:

• mechanical joining
• adhesive bonding
• soldering and brazing
• solid state joining (friction welding and diffusion bonding)
• fusion welding (arc welding and the many classes thereof, resistance, electron beam and laser welding)

The fundamental characteristics of the various processes are examined along with procedures for practical applications. The origins of defects within joints and methods needed to control or eliminate them are also considered. The mechanical behaviour of joints is analysed, as is the effect of joining on the microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of the base materials. Other features such as residual stress and distortion are addressed. Attention is also given to appropriate design for manufacture in a modern manufacturing context.

Method and Frequency of Class:

 Method of Assessment:

The aim of this module is to provide theoretical and practical tools to design a spacecraft mission. The main topics covered are:

• Fundamentals of Orbital Mechanics and Astrodynamics
• Space Mission Analysis and Design
• Design of Spacecraft Subsystems
• Assembly, Integration, Test and Verification
• Satellite in orbit operations
• Spacecraft Mission Performance and Risk Analysis (at Subsystems and Systems levels)

As part of the module, students will use a range of software to design and analyse the space mission and the spacecraft subsystems performances. The outcome of the study will be presented and assessed via a 5,000-word report and a 2-hour exam.