Aerospace Engineering including an Industrial Year BEng

This module aims to provide students with a basic knowledge and understanding of the main stream computer modelling techniques used in modern engineering practice, including Finite Element, Finite Difference and Finite Volume methods.

Topics covered will include:

• Introduction to numerical methods in engineering
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of structures
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for thermo-fluids problems
• Coursework on running FEA and CFD software

Engineers working in industry usually find that they become involved in extended practical or theoretical projects. This module provides an opportunity for you to work in a similar situation.

You’ll indicate your project preferences then work under the supervision of an expert member of staff to write a dissertation on your work and present it publicly. You’ll have weekly individual tutorial with your project supervisor, but otherwise you’ll be expected to work alone.

This module covers management and professional practice elements essential to professional engineers. Included here are range of management techniques and tools including:

• Life Cycle Costing
• Project selection and evaluation including PERT
• Financial evaluation
• Risk Management; Evaluating risk, Risk contingency, Fault trees,
• Failure Mode and Effect Analysis,
• Programme Monitoring; Milestones, Earned Value Analysis, Cost and schedule performance indices,
• Marketing; Marketing methods, Price and volume analysis, Customer evaluation, The power of brands,
• Quality Management; Six-Sigma quality, Six-Sigma tools, Statistical process control,
• An introduction to English Law; The origins or English law, The Legal Structure, Civil law, Criminal law, Contract law.Certification, safety and reliability in an aerospace context are covered. The underpinning legal framework is presented along with the relevant legal statutes such as rules of the air, airworthiness and pilot licensing. Case studies and guest lectures are used to support this element of the module.

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Content to be confirmed.

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to Space Missions elements such that the students will have a preliminary idea of what knowledge is required to design a space system. The main topics covered are:

• A brief history of Space Conquest,
• The Space Environment and its effects
• Space Missions Elements and Design Phases
• Orbital Mechanics and Orbital Transfer Overview
• Spacecraft Elements ( Structure, EPS, OBDH, AODCS, TT&C, Thermal)
• Space Debris

As part of the module students will use a range of software to design and analyse the performance of a space mission. The outcome of the study will be presented and assessed via a 5,000 word report.

This module extends and deepens knowledge of students on the Aerospace Engineering courses in aerodynamics in an aerospace context. It covers the following topics:

• Lifting wing theories
• Compressible flow in nozzles and diffusers
• Shock wave theory and aerothermodynamics
• Transonic flow – supercritical aerofoils, swept wing theory, wave drag, area rule
• Supersonic flow – double-wedge aerofoils, delta wings, slender wing theory
• Hypersonic flow – a brief introduction
• Low- and high-speed flow control and drag reduction

An introductory module on the design, manufacture and performance of fibre-reinforced composite materials. 

Constituent materials including fibres, resins and additives are described. Processing techniques and the relationships between process and design are highlighted. Design methodologies and computer-aided engineering techniques are demonstrated for component design. Case studies from a variety of industries including automotive and aerospace are presented.

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 Method of Assessment:

This module will build on the knowledge in H42AEP/MECH2028 and widen the context and application to include considerations of the propulsion requirements of light aircraft, military applications and supersonic flight.

Alternative propulsion units such as ramjets, scramjets and rockets will be evaluated.  Propeller design knowledge from H42AEP/MECH2028 will be extended and Helicopter propulsion introduced.  Future propulsion technologies, including electrification of propulsion, will be appraised. 

Throughout these topics factors influencing design and choice of engine configuration will be evaluated.At the end of the module student will have a wider and deeper knowledge relating to propulsion choices for aerospace applications and be in a position to design the key elements of these propulsion system.

This module introduces avionics, providing a detailed introduction to all the major avionic systems on current civil and military aircraft and spacecraft. To help in understanding the concepts, a number of application examples will be included throughout the classes.

Topics covered are:

• History of avionics;
• Aircraft control including fly-by-wire and autopilot
• Displays and man-machine interaction
• Avionic systems in navigation;
• Sensors in avionics;
• Radar technology;
• Electronic warfare;
• Avionics applications in current aircraft