Aerospace Engineering – (M.Sc.)

Contents

Core modules
Aeroelasticity

This module introduces students to the dynamic structural analysis of aerospace vehicles, together with static and dynamic aeroelastic phenomena such as divergence, control reversal and flutter. Some typical aerospace vehicle structural dynamic problems are considered, while aeroelastic analysis is introduced through the consideration of the behaviour of a typical aerofoil and a high aspect ratio wing in bending and torsion. Student learning will be supported by assignments making use of simulation packages and aeroelastic analysis software and a finite element analysis package.

CFD Analysis for Aerospace Applications

This module develops the student's knowledge of aerospace applications of CFD. It comprehensively reviews the governing flow equations and their area of application. Students will also develop their knowledge of the use of potential flow theory in aerodynamics prediction and use of panel method in aerospace will be investigated. Students will make extensive use of commercial codes to simulate airflows. Methods for multiphase flows and flows flow with conjugate heat transfer will be reviewed. There is also an introduction to subroutines and user functions in commercial codes.

CFD Techniques

This module develops the student's knowledge of aerodynamic applications of CFD. It comprehensively reviews the governing equations of fluid flow and their area of application. The major numerical methods of solution are introduced, together with turbulence modelling. Meshing procedures are introduced, including physical measures of adequate meshing, solution adaptive meshing, multi-block and multi-grid methods.

Control of Mechanical Systems

This module will extend the students understanding of how to model the dynamic behaviour of mechanical systems using advanced mathematical modelling techniques and appropriate simulation software commonly used in industry. Conventional and modern methods of controller design will be used in order to modify the dynamic performance of electro-mechanical systems. Students will implement their controller designs using laboratory facilities. A particular emphasis will be placed on digital implementation of controllers using microcontrollers.

Flight Mechanics

This module develops student knowledge and understanding of aircraft dynamics, stability and control beyond BEng Honours level. Topics covered include compressibility, thrustoffset, and static aeroelastic effects on aircraft static stability and control; quasi-steady asymmetric flight; sideslipping and turning, aircraft dynamics at high incidence; methods for estimating aerodynamic derivatives and an introduction to parameter identification methods. Student learning will be supported by assignments making use of simulation packages and a flight simulator.

MSc Projects

The Masters Project is a key integrating feature of the programme. It is designed to challenge and develop critical thinking skills at a post-graduate level. It provides the student with the opportunity to bring together and apply much of what they have learnt both in their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Potential projects are identified with the support of staff across the school covering a wide range of appropriate areas. Some will be based in industry, others based within our own laboratories. Students are supported through the delivery of an initial short course training programme designed to equip them with the necessary project management, research methodology, investigation tools and analysis skills necessary to undertake a Masters level project. They will also be allocated and supported by individual project supervisor. It is expected that the project will require 600 hours of student effort and will result in a worthwhile and practical contribution to the chosen subject area.

Operations Management

This module will cover the fundamentals and strategic aspects of operations management and will enable the students to develop their understanding of operational processes, techniques, planning and control systems. Students will examine case studies relating to both manufacturing and service operations to support lectures and guided learning.

Operations Research

What makes the difference between a good decision and a bad decision? A 'good' decision is one that uses analytical decision making, and is based on logic and considers all available data and possible alternatives. Engineers and managers are decision makers, thus to achieve their goals, they must understand how decisions are made and know of which decision-making tools to use. To a great extent the success or failure of human resources and management depends on the quality of their decisions. Therefore, this module determines that with the use and implementation of good operations research decision-making tools, then the process of decision making should be made easier.