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Aerospace Engineering

  • Module code: AE5122
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 5
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module covers aerodynamics, propulsion, the application of advanced engineering materials in the design of aerospace components, and introduction to virtual design methods (FEM and FEA). It considers both low speed and high-speed aerodynamics of aircraft. It starts with low- speed aerodynamics, discussing the fundamental principles of fluid flow and aerofoil properties. Then it introduces the concept of basic propulsion, aerodynamic principles, boundary layer flows and high-speed compressible flows. The approach to design and materials selection are demonstrated and areas of the design process are methodically examined. Aspects of the design process that are particular to aerospace components and assemblies are emphasized, along with the terminology associated with typical engineering design tools. The module is primarily delivered through interactive lectures, tutorials, and problem-solving, flipped classes. The laboratories include a large wind tunnel, material testing, flight simulation and FEA computing laboratories.

Aims

  • To understand the application of aerospace engineering principles to aircraft aerodynamics and propulsion.
  • To provide students with an understanding of composite materials, with a focus on aerospace applications.
  • To introduce students to the principle of computer aided engineering and finite element modelling (FEM) techniques,
  • To develop the skills of analysing composite aero-structures using FEM techniques.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Evaluate the characteristics of a range of aircraft propulsion systems
  • Describe the characteristics of aerofoils and boundary layer flows and the effect on aircraft performance
  • Discuss the use of composite materials, with a focus on aerospace applications
  • Use finite element modelling (FEM) to determine stresses in simple structures
  • Conduct experiments and write laboratory reports.

Curriculum content

  • Standard atmosphere, properties of fluid and patterns of airflow.
  • Aerodynamic properties of aerofoils.
  • Basic low-speed aerodynamics, Bernoulli's and continuity equations,
  • Aircraft propulsion.
  • Laminar and turbulent boundary layers, control methods.
  • Introduction to compressible aerodynamics, nozzle flows.
  • Evaluate the mechanical properties of engineering materials,
  • Design of simple composite structures,
  • Introduction to the finite element methods and finite element modelling (FEM) techniques,
  • Introduction to finite element analysis (FEA) and validation techniques.

Teaching and learning strategy

The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of: lectures, problem-solving, in-class quizzes with clickers, flipped classes, tutorials, flight simulator, wind tunnel and materials laboratory, FEA computing and independent study.   This blend of activities ensures that the students can achieve all of the modules learning outcomes.

The teaching team advocates the use of active learning in lectures. This includes the use of Clickers, quizzes, group problem-solving, flipped tutorial classes and learning with engineering videos embedded in the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment). Classroom response system (clickers) is used to enhance classroom interactivity and student engagement. This provides formative assessment and immediate feedback to students. An extensive library of engineering videos mapped to every lecture topic is embedded in the VLE. They are used during the lectures to promote classroom discussions on the topics and to help them to understand the theories. They are used during the lectures to promote classroom discussions on the topics and to help them to understand the theories The teaching team also incorporates flipped style of tutorial classes that involve students working on problem sets in small groups. This will involve some form of peer learning that they ownership of their own learning. They are encouraged to learn from each other and work collaboratively. Teaching staff will act as a facilitator guiding the students throughout the sessions. Selected members of the groups will have to present and discuss their solutions in front of the classes. Students will be provided with problem sets embedded in the VLE that they will have to work on during their guided independent study.

The module provides hands-on practice experience in three laboratories. The flight simulator laboratory provides a virtual flying environment that is both stimulating and engaging. Students will further develop their laboratory measurement, data processing and analysis skills in the wind tunnel and material laboratories.

Students will be provided with a set of milestones by which they can monitor their progress on the module.  This will help them use the guided learning hours effectively.  An indicative breakdown of how the guided learning hours could be used is given in the table below.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching 22 two-hour interactive lectures/flipped classes/ 12 hours of labs 20 two-hour tutorials 96
Guided independent study Pre-reading and review of lectures (54 hours), Solving the problem sets (40 hours), Practicing the computing FEA software (20 hours) Completing the online tutorials for the Ansys software (30 hours) Revising for the exam (30 hours) Writing up lab reports (30 hours) 204
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

The module is assessed by a combination of examination, coursework and a portfolio of laboratory lab reports. The coursework consists of a substantial report on an FEA software analysis of an aerospace structure (20%), and a portfolio of three reports each worth 10%. Two labs will be based on wind tunnel testing and one on material testing. Formative assessment and feedback will be provided by face-to-face interactions with the teaching team during the problem-solving sessions, flipped classes, FEA computing tutorials and laboratories.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1) Evaluate the characteristics of a range of aircraft propulsion systems Final exam
2) Describe the characteristics of aerofoils and boundary layer flows and the effect on aircraft performance Portfolio of lab reports, final exam
3) Discuss the use of composite materials, with a focus on aerospace applications Final exam
4) Use finite element modelling (FEM) to determine stresses in simple structures Coursework
5) Conduct experiments and write laboratory reports. Portfolio of lab reports

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Final examination Written exam 50%
FEA computing report (1500 words) Coursework 20%
Portfolio of three laboratory reports (10% each) Coursework 30%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Aircraft Flight by RH Barnard & D R Philpott Longman ISBN0582003385

Bibliography recommended reading

Mechanics of Flight by  AC. Kermode  ISBN 0582237483

Introduction to Flight by F Anderson, McGraw-Hill ISBN 007109282X

Understanding Space: An Introduction to Astronautics  Jerry Jon Sellers  McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0070570272

Understanding Flight  Anderson & Eberhardt.

Barbero Ever J., Introduction to Composite Materials Design, Taylor & Francis Group, 1998, ISBN: 1560327014.

Reddy J.N., "Mechanics of Laminated Composite Plates and Shells: Theory and Analysis", 2nd Edition, CRC; 2003, ISBN: 0849315921.

George Z. Voyiadjis, Peter Kattan, "Mechanics of Composite Materials with MATLAB", Springer; 1 edition 2005, ISBN: 3540243534.

Cook R.D., Malkus D.S. and Plesha M.E, Concepts and Applications of Finite Element Analysis, 4th Edition,2001, ISBN 0471356050.

Becker A A, An Introductory Guide to Finite Element Analysis, Professional Engineering Publishing, 2004, ISBN 1 86058 4101.

Megson T.H.G, Aircraft Structures for Engineering Students, 4th edition, 2007, Elsevier, ISBN: 0750667397.

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