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Introduction to Aerospace Engineering

  • Module code: AE4020
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 4
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

The module introduces the student to basic aerodynamics, aircraft systems and propulsion using the Kingston Learjet aircraft to provide a frame of reference. Students on the Aerospace, Astronautics and Space Technology routes (Astro students) will be introduced to the essential differences between space engineering and its environment, and aircraft and aerospace engineering.

The module starts by introducing the International Standard Atmosphere and basic aerodynamic terms, followed by basic discussion of the theory of flight, stability and lift augmentation. The ATA systems covering general construction, layout and operation of aircraft systems and components will be covered.

The module then introduces typical Gas Turbine and associated system architecture before concluding with broad coverage of the Aerospace Industry, its Regulation, Licensing and Accreditation, while Astro students will be introduced to the space environment and history of spaceflight, illustrated with examples from UK, European and international space missions in place of certain aircraft specific (eg. ground handling) teaching.

Aims

  • To ensure that students can operate safely and effectively in an engineering workshop and aircraft hangar
  • To ensure that all aerospace students have a basic knowledge and understanding of aircraft aerodynamics, mechanical, avionic and propulsion systems, and in addition that astro students understand the unique requirements of the space environment
  • To give students a broad understanding of the aerospace industry including its regulatory framework and terminology used.
  • To develop the student's ability to reflect on their learning, identify strengths & weaknesses, set new targets and develop action plans to meet them.

Learning outcomes

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

  1.  Use basic measuring, machining and fabrication processes and perform fundamental heat treatment and testing procedures on relevant engineering materials.
  2. Describe the design, manufacture, testing and redesign of a prototype according to given specifications while following appropriate methods for the design and development of products
  3. Apply the basic principles of safety within the workshop and laboratory and carry out a Risk Assessment on a suitable laboratory activity and location.
  4.  Describe the layout and operation of aircraft major components and systems using the general principles of the ATA 100.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the aerospace industry, its regulatory framework and the terminology commonly used.
  6.   Demonstrate an understanding of the unique demands of the aerospace environment.

Curriculum content

  • Library resources and data retrieval. 
  • Time management. 
  • Report writing, presentation preparation and delivery, visual aids. 
  • The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Risk Assessments. 
  • The Role of the Engineering Institutions and the routes to Professional Engineer status.
  • Heat treatment, case hardening, testing of materials.
  • Measurement using a variety of techniques.
  • Machining including drilling, shaping, milling and turning.
  • Fitting, sheet metal cutting and forming, and fabrication by riveting, soldering, brazing.
  • Airframe structures: Airworthiness requirements for structural strength, construction methods.
  • Relevant ATA 100 systems.
  • Aerospace Industry Regulatory Framework
  • Astro: Space engineering, the space environment and some example space missions.
  • Aero: Aircraft engineering, properties of the atmosphere, airworthiness requirements

Teaching and learning strategy

The module content will be delivered in a series of lectures and consolidated during practical sessions in the Learjet Lab and the Workshop

Technical material will be delivered in a series of lectures which will be reinforced by demonstrations using Microsoft Flight Simulator, aircraft equipment and visits to appropriate industrial premises and/or museums.

Formative tests will be given throughout the module to help the student self assess their own strengths and weaknesses and help prepare them for the formal (summative) module assessment.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching 24 two hour lectures 24 hours workshop/lab 12 two hour tutorials 48 24 24
Independent study 204
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

Summative assessment is made up of:

  • Final written examination (30%).
  • Coursework - (70%).

All students will get an introduction to the engineering workshop and the opportunity to undertake a practical project and undertake a risk assessment exercise.  The coursework will also include Aircraft/ Aircraft System/spacecraft related in-class phase tests, for Aero students a Group Presentations based on the KU Learjet Systems and for Astro students a presentation on spacecraft systems.  A final summative short answer 2 hour examination (30%) will be held at the end of the module.

A range of formative tests and/or daily/weekly questions will be undertaken both in class and during independent study.  These will be of relatively short duration and provide the student with regular, detailed feedback so that they and the faculty can develop an awareness of their individual and collective rate of progress and their strengths and weaknesses.  On-going discussion via the personal tutor and module leader will assist the student in the development of strategies for improvement and enhancement. 

Where a learning outcome is assessed by both exam and coursework/ practical the exam will not duplicate testing the student's understanding of the learning outcome. 

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic measuring, machining and fabrication processes. and perform fundamental heat treatment and testing procedures on relevant engineering materials. Coursework
2. Describe the design, manufacture, testing and redesign of a prototype according to given specifications while following appropriate methods for the design and development of products. Coursework
3. Comprehend and apply the basic principles of safety within the workshop and laboratory and carry out a Risk Assessment on a suitable laboratory activity and location. Coursework
4. Using the general principles of the ATA 100, describe the layout and operation of aircraft major components and systems. Coursework, Final Examination
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the Aerospace Industry, its Regulatory framework and the terminology commonly used. Coursework, Final Examination
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the unique demands of the aerospace environment. Coursework, Final Examination

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Written Exam 2 hour written final exam 30%
Coursework In-class Tests Risk Assessment Workshop Project 70%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It is not a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

There is no core text for this module.

Bibliography recommended reading

  • Barnard, R.H. & Philpott, D.R., 2010. Aircraft Flight:  A Description of the Physical Principles of Aircraft Flight. 4th ed. Essex: Pearson Education Ltd.
  • Jeppesen Sanderson, 2003. A&P Technician Airframe Textbook. 3rd ed. Englewood: Jeppesen Sanderson.
  • Pallet, E.H.J. & Coyle, S., 1993. Automatic Flight Control. 4th ed. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.
  • Moir, I. Seabridge, A. 2008  Aircraft Systems: Mechanical, Electrical and Avionics Subsystems Integration (Aerospace Series), Wiley
  • Wild, T.W.,2008. Transport Category Aircraft Systems. 3rd edition, Jeppesen Sanderson.
  • Sellers, J.J., 2007, Understanding Space - An Introduction to Astronautics (3rd edition), McGraw-Hill Professional. ISBN 0077230302
  • A guide to the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, 1996, HSE Books, ISBN 0717604411
  • Safety by Design - an Engineer's responsibility for Safety, The Hazards Forum 1996, ISBN 0952510316
  • Dunwoody A B, et al, Fundamental Competencies for Engineers, Oxford, ISBN9780195422177

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