Aerospace Engineering including an Industrial Year MEng

This year-long module provides a basic introduction to electrical and electronic devices, power transmission and the distribution and utilisation of electrical energy in an Aerospace Engineering context.

Topics covered are:

• Electrical circuits: Resistors and Kirchhoff’s Laws, superposition, Gauss and Ampere Laws, Transient analysis of circuits, capacitance and inductance, phasors, AC circuits, 3-phase AC systems
• Communications: introduction to signals (analogue and digital), basic electronic components (diodes, transistors and operational-amplifiers)

• Electrical systems: electrical machines, electrical power sources in aircraft, transformers, power distribution to aircraft electrical systems, introduction to electrical loads in aircraft

This module will give you with the knowledge, concepts and principles of fluid mechanics and aerodynamics. You will complete this module over the course of a year.

Topics covered are:

• atmospheric physics
• standard atmosphere
• static pressure
• hydrostatics
• inviscid flows – conservation of mass and momentum
• Euler and Bernoulli equations
• Introduction to compressible conservation of viscous flows
• Introduction to shock waves lifting surfaces – aerofoil and wings
• basic forces
• pressure distributions
• fluid structure interaction phenomena

This year-long module introduces students on the Aerospace Engineering courses to the fundamental concepts and principles of solid mechanics and dynamics. It covers their application to simple engineering scenarios in an aerospace context.

Topics include:

• Review of basic mechanics : vectors, units, forces and moments, Newton’s laws
• Static equilibrium: force and moment analysis in design; frictional forces
• Free body diagrams and Pin-jointed structures
• Stress, strain and elasticity
• Multi-axial stress-strain; thin walled vessels under pressure
• Shear stress and torsion of shafts
• Plane stress; Mohr's circle analysis
• Beam bending: shear force & bending moment diagrams
• 2nd moments of area of cross-sections
• Bending stresses in beams
• Linear and rotational motion: Displacement, velocity and acceleration
• Relationship between angular and linear motion• Newton's Laws for linear & rotational motion
• Linear and Angular Momentum, including conservation of momentum
• Work, Energy & Power, including kinetic & potential energy
• Geared systems
• Drive systems, including tangential drives and vehicles
• Load characteristics and steady-state characteristics
• Flywheel design
• Static and dynamic balancing

This year-long module introduces students on the Aerospace Engineering courses to the basic concepts and practices of aircraft design and flight mechanics. It covers the following topics:

• Aircraft classification and configurations
• Aircraft design procedures
• Aircraft characteristics and performance
• Preliminary aerodynamics analysis
• Flight envelopes
• Steady flight conditions
• Static stability

This year long module introduces students on the Aerospace Engineering courses to the basic concepts and practices of design and manufacture in an aerospace context and includes the following topics:

• The process of concept generation through to detail design in an aerospace context
• The use of computer aided engineering tools in the design processes
• Part and assembly design using CATIA
• Basic machine elements and their function
• How materials, stress analysis and manufacturing disciplines fit within the framework of design
• Machining processes and metrology
• Lab-based demonstration of manufacturing processes
• Machine shop practical training
• An appreciation of modern working practices - interaction with technical staff and conveying design intent

This year-long module comprises a number of elements and these are:

• Essential professional engineering elements:, report writing, information searching, data analysis
• Essential engineering study support elements: Maths, MATLAB, Using MS Excel, Word, Powerpoint
• Essential project skills: team working, project management, MS Project

These skills will be covered to a level appropriate to first year aerospace engineering students.

In addition the module includes a year-long integrating group project element that draws in technical elements from the other 5 modules running in the first year of the course. An output from the project is a model scale aircraft designed to meet the specification set.

You will learn fundamental thermodynamics including key underlying equation sets such as the first and second law of thermodynamics, perfect gas relationships and analysis of relevant cycles for Aerospace propulsion such as the Brayton cycle. The principles of aircraft propulsion are further developed with a focus on:

• jet engines including the principles of gas turbine engines
• layout and the application of compressible flow and turbomachinery principles
• Factors influencing design and choice of engine configuration are introduced

This module extends and deepens your knowledge of materials, concentrating on the composites and alloys used in aerospace structures and engines. An overview of current aerospace research will be used to highlight likely future developments.

Topics include:

• Introduction to airframe
• shear stress beams
• deflection and conditions
• column buckling
• thin-walled structures
• semi-monocoque structures
• web-boom idealisation
• static indeterminate structures
• bending & torsion of single
• multi-celled thin-walled beams
• shear center
• static and fatigue failure

This module introduces concepts of rigid body dynamics and vibrations and develops your ability to analyse aspects in simplified engineering situations, as well as in analysing rigid aircraft dynamics.

This module covers the dynamics of point masses and rigid bodies. It considers both motion in an inertia frame, as well as in a moving reference frame. The principals of linearization of a nonlinear dynamical system are demonstrated and basic characteristics of linear systems are introduced.

Flight mechanics is progressed through the development of equations of motion for rigid aircraft. Ideas of equilibrium and trim are captured by determining the steady control inputs needed to fly simple steady trajectories. Based on the nonlinear equations, linearization about a trimmed point are considered, as well as the linear dynamic response of an aircraft and basic flight control.

This year long module introduces key principles of aerospace systems control, focusing on examples relevant to aerospace applications. Topics covered are:

• Introduction to control systems design in aerospace context
• Digital and analogue control systems
• Fundamentals of aerospace electrical and electronic systems including
  • power generation and conversion
  • electric machines and drives
  • flight control actuation systems

Within this module you will cover essential study skills, such as:

• Maths
• Report writing
• Data analysis
• Management

A year long group project will play a crucial role in your learning. The project will draw on learning from other modules within the year.

This year long foundational module is a direct continuation of first year aerospace design, incorporating new information and methods as well as enabling practice of previously learned concepts. The module includes the following topics:

• Sustainability issues in design
• Design for manufacture considerations and cost
• Machine elements function and correct selection
• CNC processes
• Group design project with manufacture of the finished design in the January workshop slot
• Individual design and analysis project
• Machine shop practical training

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

Within this project you will cover whole-vehicle development from requirements to virtual product definition, via concept formulation, preliminary design and performance evaluation. This will be supported by modelling and simulation. Work will be undertaken by teams of 6-8 students (typically). There will be a make and test element to the project and the produced hardware will be evaluated as part of the assessment.

At the end of the project you will have:

• Technical Handbook (including Vehicle Characteristics)
• Declaration of Design and Performance (including VCRM)
• Technical Portfolio (including reports and coordination memos)
• Management Portfolio (including meeting minutes and progress reports)
• Virtual Product Model (plus associated models and simulations)

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.

The aim of the module is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of manufacturing automation, present key automation technologies in manufacturing and their advantages and limitations.

The module will introduce the relevant theoretical background and fundamental concepts of different automation approaches and technologies. The focus will be placed on the role of sensors, CNC machine tools, industrial robotics and programmable logic controllers within different manufacturing contexts. Methods and indicators for quantitative production performance and cost analysis will be covered as well.

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

This module introduces 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.

Method and Frequency of Class:

 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

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:

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 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.

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.

This module adopts a broad approach, covering the principles underpinning a wide range of materials characterisation techniques, for imaging, structural characterisation and chemical analysis.

Emphasis is given to the process, structure, property interrelationship, backed up by appropriate case studies taken from the areas of structural materials, functional materials, biomaterials and nanomaterials.

Detailed content underpinning the module includes particle / material interactions and wave / material interactions; the experimental process; crystallography; defects; reciprocal space and diffraction.

Consideration is given to instrumentation, vacuum systems, electron sources and detectors etc and described with reference to the techniques of SEM, TEM, XRD, XRF and XPS.

An overview of related surface analysis techniques and ion beam techniques is provided. Aspects of sample preparation, including FIB milling are also covered.

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 aims to give a broad review of the measurement techniques which can be used in ergonomic analysis and evaluation of systems or products, together with an understanding of the need for experimental design and control in order to obtain valid and meaningful results. It also provides a theoretical basis for techniques which may be practised during laboratory work and exercises in other human factors modules.

The module covers:

• Introduction to experimental design; experimental controls; selection and recruitment of subjects; user trials; ethical considerations
• Observational methods: direct and indirect observation; recording techniques; measurement of behaviour; activity sampling
• Subjective measurements: ranking methods, rating scales, application in interviews and questionnaires
• Task analysis: task description; tabular and hierarchical task analysis; applications
• Introduction to SPSS
• Descriptive statistics
• Statistical analysis: Types of data; Normal distribution; Non-parametric tests; Parametric 2 samples tests, Correlation and regression, Chi Square, ANOVA

This module aims to develop an understanding of the design and operation of power systems in aerospace, marine and automotive applications. With the introduction of more electrical technologies in these application areas, the understanding and expected performance of the power system has become a critical platform design issue. You’ll have five blocks of four hour lectures to study for this module.

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.

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:

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

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