- UCAS course code
- H406
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Aerospace Design
Unit code | AERO10301 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 1 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Engineering design is the formal process by which often vague requirements and needs are turned into useful systems or artefacts. Most people are familiar with the general concept of design as a creative process; however good engineers specifically understand how to create novel solutions within the constraints of physics, economics and the expectations of society. This unit provides an introduction to design through a series of practical based activities. The goal is to set students on a path towards becoming a competent engineering designer by the end of their degree programme. Students should understand how design works as a process and be enthused as to the possibilities for innovation and creation of value enabled by good design.
Aims
To provide an engaging introduction to the formal practice of Engineering Design for aerospace engineering students
To develop skills in basic structural analysis, workshop fabrication and test methods
To develop curiosity in how practical aerospace structures are designed and made and develop an intuitive feeling for good design
Syllabus
Introduction to the design process
- The stages of design: Conceptual, Project and Detailed
- Requirements and how they are turned into realities
- Understanding what is ‘good’ design
Engineering materials
- Understanding what material properties are and why they are important in design
- Understanding how choice of materials affects manufacturing
- Material failure modes – how do designs fail in practice
Detailed design
- How to define something in sufficient detail that someone else could make it
- Role of CAD and engineering drawing
- Designing 3d structures made from 2d folded material
Assembly and manufacture
- Different techniques for joining components together with adhesives
- Impact of component tolerances on ease of assembly
- Use of laser cutting for 2 parts with complex shapes
Engineering communication
- How to produce effective short technical reports with professional presentation
- How to communicate to a wide audience using a Youtube video format
Practical exercises
The unit comprises of a number of practical workshop exercises through which design principles can be understood in context. Design work is undertaken in teams, recognising that effective teamwork is an essential part of being a professional engineer. There are three main exercises: compressed air water rocket design, build and test; assembly and test of an existing wing design; and design and test of a wing structure to meet specific requirements. The rocket design activity is about creativity and application of basic physical principles to solve a challenging but engaging problem. It provides a compelling opportunity to test ideas out in the harsh glare of reality – some will fail spectacularly, but all will teach the value of good engineering design. Assembly and test of an existing design allows new designers to understand and learn from the wisdom and skills of experienced designers – a good design will always borrow from what has gone before. Finally, design of a wing structure to meet specific requirements illustrates how engineering science can be used to translate needs into a specific engineering solution, and the necessity for engineering test to prove that a design does indeed meet its requirements.
Real life examples
In parallel with the workshop activities, students will be given the opportunity to inspect example aircraft from the University of Manchester unmanned air vehicle (UAV) research group. The focus will be on understanding how designers have approached the structural design of a number of different aircraft types going from a simple hand launched electric powered glider, to a 50 kg gas turbine powered UAV.
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Other | 40% |
Report | 25% |
Oral assessment/presentation | 15% |
Practical skills assessment | 20% |
Video
Feedback methods
Written feedback via BB within 10 working days
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Fieldwork | 2 |
Lectures | 4 |
Project supervision | 40 |
Tutorials | 8 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 46 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
William Crowther | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
Independent Study: Students undertake self study to enhance understanding of concepts
Lectures: Series of one-hour Lectures for 12 weeks.
Project Supervision: Students undertake a substantial Design Make and Test project working in teams of about 4 students
Supervised Time in Studio/Workshop: Hands on exercises on Sketching and Tolerancing (6 hours)and CAD (12 hours); Material seLecturestion exercise (3 hours)
Work Based Learning: Students make and test the flying object they have designed