MEng Aerospace Engineering

Introduction to aerospace engineering introduces the student to the foundation level knowledge of the subject of aerospace engineering. Laying the groundwork for success in later aerospace specific units. Further, it provides an anchor point for the student to link scientific and discipline level topics, such as aerodynamics, mathematics, mechanics, etc, with the specific needs and issues of aerospace engineering. Additionally, the student will gain an appreciation for the unique aspects of aerospace engineering that set it apart from related disciplines. 

Introduce first year undergraduate students to the breadth of aerospace engineering. This includes
• History of aeronautics and astronautics,
• Basics of aircraft and spacecraft flight,
o Flight & orbital mechanics
o Aerodynamics
• Introduction to aerospace propulsion systems.

1. Introduction & What is Aerospace Engineering

•     What is the unit?

•     Why are we studying aerospace engineering?

•     What do we actually mean by aerospace engineering?

2. Flight Environment

•     Introduction to the atmosphere, its layers, properties and challenges

•     Introduction to the deeper space environment, its properties and challenges

3. Basic orbital mechanics 

•     Energy in orbits

•     Conservation of momentum 

•     Additional forces and Perturbations : Manoeuvres, Low earth orbits, drag

4. Space systems  

•     Anatomy of spacecraft

•     Spacecraft sub-systems

•     Systems engineering

5. Aircraft systems

•     Anatomy of an aircraft

•     Aircraft subsystems

•     Avionics

6.  History of Aerospace Engineering Industry :

Provides the student with a very brief history of the development of and developments within aerospace engineering. This includes key players, technical advancements and engineering artefacts. Includes a disputed list of the most significant aircraft a