Aerospace Engineering – (M.Sc.)

Contents

The structure of the programme consists of a set of courses to enhance basic skills as well as give an introduction to various aspects of aerospace engineering. The basic courses are compulsory and constitute about one third of the course work. Optional courses to be selected are grouped together in four different packages corresponding to a further specialisation in the direction of aeronautics, space, structures or systems. Finally, there is a Master's thesis project corresponding to 30 ECTS (see below).

Course overview
The purpose of the basic curriculum is to give a broad and interesting introduction to the field before you decide on a more specific track. In the first semester of the program, you take one introductory course in each discipline (aeronautics, space, structures and systems). Further, a course in theory and methodology of science is included in the second year, which is compulsory for all master students at KTH. The basic curriculum includes the following courses:

* Rocket science
* Lightweight structures and FEM
* Fundamentals of flight
* Systems engineering
* Theory and methodology of science

Aeronautics

The aeronautics track focuses on modeling, analysis and design of aircraft. The overall objectives are that you should be able to design and estimate the performance of an aircraft, compute its aerodynamic properties, simulate its motion in flight, and analyze how its aerodynamic and structural properties influence stability and control. The track is characterized by a strong interaction between theory and practice, and you will plan, perform and evaluate several wind tunnel tests during your education. An engineer with this profile is particularly attractive to companies working in aerodynamics and aeronautics. Some of the aeronautical courses are:

* Experimental aerodynamics
* Computational aerodynamics
* Flight mechanics

Space
The overall objectives of the space track are that you should be able to size and carry out a performance analysis of spacecraft, in particular rockets, and plan a geocentric or interplanetary space mission on a conceptual level. You will develop knowledge and skills in orbital mechanics and spacecraft dynamics. Particular emphasis is put on the space environment and spacecraft engineering for small and medium size satellites, including their design, instrumentation, navigation and control. As part of the courses in spacecraft engineering, you will also perform experiments in order to investigate for example power requirements, as well as thermal and radiation effects. An engineer with this profile is particularly attractive to companies working with spacecraft and satellite technology. Examples of courses in this track are:

* Space physics
* Space environment and spacecraft engineering
* Spacecraft dynamics

Structures

The Structures track focuses on lightweight materials and structures for the development of new engineering solutions and products. Reduced structural weight can be translated into improved structural efficiency, reduced costs for production and maintenance, and reduced environmental impact. Emphasis is put on fibre composites, non-metallic materials and sandwich structures, often used in constructions with extreme requirements. Overall, the student will develop knowledge and skills in analysis, design, optimization, materials, manufacturing and testing of lightweight structures. Fibre composites require a systems approach to the choice of materials, manufacturing processes and product design, which also prepares the student for a future role as an engineer working with development of new products or materials. A structural engineer is attractive to a large number of industries in aerospace-, naval- or automotive engineering, as well as smaller businesses working with manufacturing or innovation. Courses in the structures branch include:

* Fibre composites - analysis and design
* Fibre composites - materials and manufacturing
* Structural optimisation and sandwich design

Systems
Aircraft, rockets and satellites are very complex systems that are associated with extremely high costs for development and operation. In order to avoid incidents and costs due to malfunctions, the requirements on operational safety are extreme as well. The overall objective with the systems track is that you should be able to develop mathematical models of systems in order to perform analysis of their performance and reliability. You should also be able to use such models to improve the efficiency of complex and costly systems (for example an airline), or to design a system such that a malfunction in some part of the system only will have limited consequences for the system as a whole. An systems engineer is attractive to a large number of industries in various fields. Some of the associated courses are:

* Optimization
* Optimal control
* Control theory and practice

Master Thesis

You are finally required to perform an independent study in the form of a thesis project. The thesis project corresponds to 30 ECTS, which is equivalent to the scope of the required final project in the current Swedish civilingenjörsexamen. The purpose of the thesis project is that you should demonstrate the ability to perform independent project work, using and developing the skills obtained from the courses in the programme. The thesis topic can either be a small research project or an advanced engineering analysis or design project.

The thesis project can either be performed at a university or, more commonly, at a company in the aerospace sector with suitable infrastructure to provide sufficient supervision and resources for the project. You will have to be active in the process of finding a suitable thesis project in industry but KTH can provide some assistance in providing information about suitable points of contact. If you are an exchange student, you are recommended to find a thesis project in your country of permanent residence or in the country where you intend to start your professional career.