Aerospace Engineering Course

Lesson 1 • Thermodynamics for Aerospace Systems

Covers energy conservation, entropy, and thermodynamic cycles relevant to propulsion. Establishes the thermal framework applied in engine performance analysis.

Lesson 2 • Aerospace Materials Overview

Surveys metals, composites, and ceramics used in aerospace structures. Connects material selection to performance, weight, and safety requirements.

Lesson 3 • History and Scope of Aerospace

Traces aerospace development from early aviation to modern spaceflight. Contextualises the discipline's breadth and motivates subsequent technical study.

Lesson 4 • Introduction to Fluid Mechanics

Introduces fluid properties, pressure, and flow behaviour critical to aerodynamics. Provides the physical intuition needed for lift and drag analysis in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Compressible Flow and High-Speed Aerodynamics

Introduces Mach number regimes, shock waves, and expansion fans. Prepares students to analyse transonic and supersonic flow phenomena on aircraft surfaces.

Lesson 2 • Drag Sources and Reduction

Identifies skin friction, pressure, induced, and wave drag components. Guides students in applying drag reduction strategies to wing and fuselage design.

Lesson 3 • Finite Wing Theory

Extends two-dimensional aerofoil results to three-dimensional finite wings. Students apply lifting-line theory to predict spanwise lift distribution and induced drag.

Lesson 4 • Aerofoil Geometry and Nomenclature

Defines chord, camber, thickness, and angle of attack for standard aerofoil profiles. Establishes geometric vocabulary used in all subsequent aerodynamic calculations.

Lesson 1 • Straight and Level Flight Performance

Analyses thrust-required and power-required curves for level flight. Students determine minimum drag speed, stall speed, and maximum level speed.

Lesson 2 • Equations of Motion for Aircraft

Derives the six-degree-of-freedom equations governing aircraft motion. Establishes the mathematical foundation for all performance and stability analyses.

Lesson 3 • Range and Endurance

Applies Breguet range and endurance equations to jet and propeller aircraft. Students optimise cruise conditions for maximum range or loiter time.

Lesson 4 • Climb, Descent, and Glide

Calculates rate of climb, angle of climb, and best glide ratio for various configurations. Connects excess power and thrust to climb performance metrics.

Lesson 1 • Static Longitudinal Stability

Defines stick-fixed and stick-free neutral points and static margin. Establishes criteria for pitch stability and connects centre-of-gravity location to handling.

Lesson 2 • Control Surface Design and Sizing

Covers elevator, aileron, and rudder sizing for required control authority. Links hinge moment theory to pilot force and control system design.

Lesson 3 • Augmented Stability and Autopilot Basics

Introduces stability augmentation systems and basic autopilot architectures. Connects classical control theory to practical flight control implementation.

Lesson 4 • Dynamic Stability Modes

Analyses phugoid, short period, Dutch roll, and spiral modes using linearised equations. Students interpret eigenvalue results to assess handling quality compliance.

Lesson 1 • Rocket Propulsion Fundamentals

Derives the rocket equation and analyses chemical propellant performance. Students compute specific impulse, thrust, and staging mass fractions.

Lesson 2 • Turbojet and Turbofan Engines

Applies Brayton cycle analysis to turbojet and turbofan architectures. Students calculate thrust, thermal efficiency, and specific fuel consumption.

Lesson 3 • Propeller and Piston Engine Propulsion

Analyses momentum theory, blade element theory, and piston engine power output. Establishes propulsive efficiency concepts before introducing jet propulsion.

Lesson 4 • Turboprop and Turboshaft Engines

Examines power extraction from gas generators for propeller and rotor drive. Connects shaft power output to aircraft and rotorcraft performance requirements.

Lesson 1 • Buckling and Stability of Structures

Examines column buckling, panel buckling, and post-buckling behaviour in thin-walled structures. Guides students in applying buckling margins to lightweight aerospace panels.

Lesson 2 • Aeroelasticity and Flutter

Analyses static aeroelastic divergence, control reversal, and dynamic flutter onset. Students determine flutter speed margins and apply stiffness tailoring strategies.

Lesson 3 • Finite Element Method Introduction

Introduces stiffness matrix assembly, boundary conditions, and result interpretation for structural FEM. Connects analytical beam results to computational structural analysis.

Lesson 4 • Stress, Strain, and Material Behaviour

Reviews stress-strain relationships, Hooke's law, and failure criteria for aerospace materials. Provides the mechanical foundation for all structural sizing calculations.

Lesson 1 • Orbit Determination and Perturbations

Introduces classical orbital elements, perturbation sources, and station-keeping strategies. Students assess how atmospheric drag and oblateness affect operational orbits.

Lesson 2 • Orbital Manoeuvres and Transfers

Analyses Hohmann transfers, bi-elliptic transfers, and plane change manoeuvres. Students compute delta-v requirements and select efficient transfer strategies.

Lesson 3 • Two-Body Orbital Mechanics

Derives Kepler's laws and conic section orbits from Newton's law of gravitation. Establishes the mathematical framework for all subsequent orbital calculations.

Lesson 4 • Launch Windows and Ground Tracks

Determines launch window timing, azimuth constraints, and resulting ground track geometry. Connects Earth rotation and inclination to launch site selection.

Lesson 1 • Subsystem Design and Interface Control

Addresses avionics, fuel, hydraulic, and environmental control subsystem design. Students define interface control documents to manage subsystem interactions.

Lesson 2 • Conceptual Sizing and Weight Estimation

Applies statistical weight fractions and sizing equations to establish initial design point. Students iterate on wing loading, thrust-to-weight ratio, and gross weight.

Lesson 3 • Configuration Layout and Integration

Develops three-view drawings and internal arrangement of major subsystems. Students balance aerodynamic, structural, and propulsion constraints in a unified layout.

Lesson 4 • Design Review and Verification

Conducts preliminary and critical design reviews against established requirements. Students apply verification methods including analysis, test, and inspection.