Module overview
This is an introduction to Aeronautics and Astronautics, which lays down the foundations of all of the aeronautical and astronautical engineering modules that follow in subsequent years. It includes:
a) an aircraft operations element , which creates the context against which the later design modules will have to be viewed by the student,
b) a flight mechanics component, an application of the fundamental laws of Newtonian mechanics to the flight of fixed wing aircraft, an essential basis upon which the later mechanics of flight, aerodynamics, propulsion and design modules will be built, and
c) a component that focuses on the fundamentals of astronautics.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Awareness of some of the legal context of aviation safety management
- Investigating and defining aerospace design problems, including environmental and sustainability limitations
- Knowledge and understanding of the fundamental mathematical models of the mechanics of fixed wing flight
- Understanding of aircraft and launch vehicle performance principles and the ability to apply them in design engineering
- Understanding of contexts in which aerospace engineering knowledge can be applied
- Understanding of concepts from aircraft and spacecraft operations, human factors, physiology, etc. and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them effectively in Aeronautics and Astronautics projects
- Knowledge and understanding of aspects of the commercial, economic and social context of aerospace engineering
- Understanding of the fundamental behaviour of aerofoils in the context of flight mechanics and aircraft performance
- Understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering, in the specific context of aerospace engineering
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- C1/M1 Students are assessed based on their knowledge in the use of mathematics to solve engineering complex engineering problems; they learn concepts at the forefront of their subject area through the latest research developments presented in taught classes. A critical awareness of new developments, such as net zero, electrification, sustainability and ethics is emphasized and discussed during lectures and tutorials. C2/M2 Students analyze and solve complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions based on the use of first principle mathematics and engineering concepts, demonstrating an ability to use engineering judgement in discussing results and understanding the limitations of their approach/technique. M7 The latest research developments are discussed in lectures and tutorials to illustrate how the aerospace lifecycle may have an environmental and societal impact. Of particular note being the impact of moving from fossil fuels to so-called green alternatives such as lithium batteries and Hydrogen fuels. C5 Students are asked to consider the application of health safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards when deriving complex engineering solutions to problems. M12 Students undertake a Flight Simulation laboratory exercise during the summer term whereby they have access to a high-end aircraft simulator to enable them to experience flight is either a fixed-winged or rotary-winged aircraft. C15/M15 Students are briefly introduced to the issues of engineering management with respect to legal aspects of change, social responsibility and ethics. This relates to aviation safety and the role of the regulator (EASA, CAA, MAA) in the management and implementation of the safety culture. C18/M18 Students are encouraged to develop their portfolio of solutions to the weekly tests through the use of Excel spreadsheets and capturing learning in notebooks and journals, both physical and electronic in the spirit of CPD/lifelong learning.
Partial CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Students are asked to consider the application of health safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards when deriving complex engineering solutions to problems.
Full CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- The latest research developments are discussed in lectures and tutorials to illustrate how the aerospace lifecycle may have an environmental and societal impact. Of particular note being the impact of moving from fossil fuels to so-called green alternatives such as lithium batteries and Hydrogen fuels
- Students undertake a Flight Simulation laboratory exercise during the summer term whereby they have access to a high-end aircraft simulator to enable them to experience flight is either a fixed-winged or rotary-winged aircraft
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Plan self-learning and improve performance
Syllabus
INTRODUCTION TO AERONAUTICS (11 lectures)
Introduction to aeronautics, key ideas
Airline economics
Aviation safety and certification
Aviation meteorology
Aerodromes
Humans in the atmosphere – physics, physiology, design, limitations
Remotely piloted vehicles and autonomous flight
INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONAUTICS (8 lectures)
Environment – space environment, near-Earth environment and launch environment
Launch vehicles – the rocket equation, the rocket equation applied to launch vehicles, launch system characteristics
MECHANICS OF FLIGHT (20 lectures)
Flight mechanics: fundamental concepts and definitions
Typical aerodynamic characteristics
Aircraft performance fundamentals
Simple accelerated flight
Introduction to longitudinal stability
Introduction to aerodynamic controls
ENGINEERING ETHICS (one lecture)
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- Lectures
- Worked examples and problem sheets
- Flight Simulator laboratory
Learning activities include
- Working through examples in lectures and self-study time
- Flight simulator laboratory
- Directed reading
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lecture | 40 |
Supervised time in studio/workshop | 1 |
Revision | 109 |
Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
The learning outcomes of this module will be assessed under the Part I Assessment Schedule for FEE Engineering Programmes which forms an Appendix to your Programme Specification.
Feedback will be available on the formative work undertaken during the module.
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Specialist Lab
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Final Assessment | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External