Aerospace Dynamics MSc (Options in Aerodynamics and Flight Dynamics) – (M.Sc.)

Contents

Skills in the areas of both fluid and flight dynamics are increasingly in demand in the aerospace sector and related areas such as automotive, environmental, energy and medicine.

Environmental issues will ensure that aerodynamic refinement will dominate the next generation of civil transport aircraft, placing even greater emphasis on flight control and flight dynamic aspects.

In the military arena Cranfield has unparalleled experience in the design and development of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). This has drawn heavily on aerodynamic modelling, using both wind tunnels and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), as well as flight dynamics.

To ensure students develop the necessary skills, the School of Engineering has a wide range of facilities including 9 wind tunnels, both low and high-speed, extensive computing facilities, and a unique engineering flight simulator. We use the National Flying Laboratory Centre aircraft as a practical means of reinforcing theory, with in-flight exercises and laboratories forming the basis of the assessment for core modules.

Initially, a range of core modules provide a firm grounding in aerospace dynamics. Subjects include aircraft aerodynamics, stability and control and performance, together with related analytical techniques. These modules, together with the flying laboratories, make up the group flight test component. Students then select specialist modules which determine their chosen option either Aerodynamics or Flight Dynamics in the taught component. Choice is a key feature of this course, allowing students to build their own portfolio of skills around a core specialisation. Options overlap, enabling students to spread their area of expertise or focus on specialist areas.

Research topics

Research topics are varied and can be either selected from those put forward by the teaching team or chosen by students in agreement with the academic staff. Recent topics include:

* active flow control in high lift systems
* analysis of curved aircraft approach techniques
* sub-boundary-layer vortex generators
* UAV simulation using 20-SIM
* computation and modelling of icing instability
* development of ‘sense and avoid’ criteria for UAVs
* unsteady intake flows
* ground vehicle stability in crosswinds.

Research thesis

Candidates decide on a research topic during the first teaching period and work towards an individual thesis during the second half of the MSc course. The research thesis allows students to develop their own particular area of interest, often providing an opportunity to collaborate with industry.