Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering

About: The aerospace engineering program in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers comprehensive graduate education in several areas. Aerodynamics, gas dynamics, hypersonics, aerospace system design, aerospace propulsion, aerospace structures, plasma aerospace applications, multidisciplinary optimization, and flight dynamics and control are the major areas of emphasis., image processing, neural networks, and system security/survivability.

 

Term: Typically about 3 years

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  • Requirements
  • Course Information

Requirements

A Master of Science non-thesis program consists of:

  • A minimum of 30 credit hours.
  • At least 24 credit hours in the MAE department.
  • At least 9 credit hours of 6000-level lecture courses (of which at least 6 credit hours must be in the MAE department).
  • Note that no course below the 5000-level may be applied to the degree requirements.

Course Information

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Courses

Description

Derivation of Navier-Stokes equations, analytical solutions of viscous flows; flow in pipes, flow networks; intermediate treatment of boundary layer theory; micro-fluidics and MEMS; introduction to numerical methods for solving fluid flows; and, preliminary treatise on turbulence.

Learning Objective

  1. Development and use of integral and point-wise forms of physical balance laws for fluids,
  2. Competency with key analytical results in fluid mechanics,
  3. Exposure to broad areas of fluid mechanics,
  4. Deeper understanding of fluid forces including pressure, viscosity, and
  5. Gravity, and finally,
  6. Familiarity with spatial variations

Course Content

  • Kinematics 
  • Reynolds Transport theorem
  • Balance laws 
  • Bernoulli’s equation hwk01
  • Energy equation
  • Piping losses
  • Control volumes 
  • CV Analysis
  • Inviscid, vorticity 
  • Lift, drag, potential flow 
  • Fundamental solutions
  • Superposition
  • Flow past cylinder 
  • Airfoils
  • Open-channel flow 
  • Balance laws 
  • Uniform flow
  • RVF, GVF 
  • Navier-Stokes equations
  • Stress tensor

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Midterm
  • Final Exam

Description

 A study of the basic principles of hypersonic flow. Inviscid and viscous hypersonic flow. Application of numerical methods. High-temperature flow. Consideration of real gas and rarefied flow. Applications in aero-dynamic heating and atmospheric entry.

Learning Objective

  1. Understand the fundamental principles of hypersonic flow and its significance in aerospace engineering.
  2. Explore high-temperature flow conditions encountered in hypersonic flight.

Course Content

  • Definition of hypersonic flow and its significance in aerospace engineering
  • Classification of hypersonic vehicles
  • Characteristics of hypersonic flow
  • Trajectory equations for hypersonic vehicles and velocity-altitude maps
  • Definition of ballistic and lifting entry – examples
  • Definition of frozen, equilibrium, non-equilibrium flow
  • Thermodynamics of chemically reacting flows in equilibrium
  • Equilibrium properties of air at high temperatures
  • Iterative solution approach for equilibrium gas shock and expansion waves
  • Mach number independence
  • Wedge and Stagnation point solutions
  • Local inclination methods (Newtonian flow, Modified Newtonian Method, Tangent-Wedge and Tangent-Cone Methods, Shock Expansion Methods)
  • Importance of viscous effects and role of aerodynamic heating in hypersonic flows
  • Hypersonic Laminar Boundary Layers
  • Transition and turbulent boundary layers
  • Reference Temperature Method
  • Ballistic Entry
  • Lifting capsule re-entry (Apollo, CEV/Orion) and high-lift re-entry (Space Shuttle)
  • Air-breathing Hypersonic Vehicles

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Exams

Description

Basic concepts of V/STOL flight. Take-off transition and landing performance thrust vectoring. Propeller and helicopter aerodynamics. Unblown and blown flaps. Boundary layer control. Lift fans and ducted propellers. Wing-propeller interaction and thrust augmentation.

Learning Objective

  1. Provide students with a solid foundation in the principles of Vertical/Short Take-off and Landing (V/STOL) flight
  2. Explore thrust vectoring, blown flaps, boundary layer control, and lift fans, allowing students to grasp the intricacies of these technologies and their applications.
  3. Examine the complex dynamics of wing-propeller interaction and thrust augmentation

Course Content

  • Introduction to V/STOL Flight
  • Thrust Vectoring
  • Propeller and Helicopter Aerodynamics
  • Flap Systems and Boundary Layer Control
  • Lift Fans and Ducted Propellers
  • Wing-Propeller Interaction

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Project

Description

Variational formulation of the governing equations. Finite element model, interpolation functions, numerical integration, assembly of elements, and solution procedures. Applications to solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer problems. Two-dimensional problems. Computer implementation and use of commercial finite element codes.

Learning Objective

  1. Understand the variational formulation of governing equations.
  2. Learn finite element model principles.
  3. Explore interpolation functions and numerical integration.
  4. Understand the assembly of elements and solution procedures.
  5. Apply finite element analysis to solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer problems.
  6. Focus on two-dimensional problems.
  7. Gain practical experience in computer implementation and using commercial finite element codes.

Course Content

  • Variational Formulation of Governing Equations
  • Finite Element Model
  • Interpolation Functions and Numerical Integration
  • Assembly of Elements and Solution Procedures
  • Applications in Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, and Heat Transfer
  • Two-Dimensional Problems
  • Computer Implementation and Use of Commercial Finite Element Codes

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Exams
  • Project

Description

Linear elastic and plastic mathematical models for stresses around cracks; Concepts of stress intensity; strain energy release rates; correlation of models with experiment; determination of plane stress and plane strain parameters; application to design.

Learning Objective

  1. Explore the applications of various fracture mechanics principles to engineering, structures, machines, and components made of both ductile and brittle materials.
  2. Deal with the analysis of structural elements containing inherent and accidental defects and subjected to mechanical loading and their evaluation for fracture resistance. 

Course Content

  • Introduction, History, and Overview. 
  • The theoretical (ideal) strength of a defect-free solid from an atomic view of fracture. 
  • Fracture stress based on stress concentration factor. 
  • The Griffith Energy Balance
  • The Energy Release Rate G
  • Instability and the R Curve
  • Stress Analysis of Cracked Bodies
  • Crack closure integral and relationship between G and K
  • Crack-Tip Plasticity
  • Mixed-mode fracture
  • Elastic-Plastic Fracture Mechanics
  • Fracture Toughness Testing of Metals 
  • Application to Structures – select sections from Chapter 9
  • Fatigue Crack Propagation 
  • Environmentally Assisted Cracking (EAC) - Overview

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Exams

Description

The mechanism of fatigue, fatigue strength of metals, fracture mechanics, the influence of stress conditions on fatigue strength, stress concentrations, surface treatment effects, corrosion fatigue, and fretting corrosion, fatigue of joints components and structures, and design to prevent fatigue.

Learning Objective

  1. Understand the mechanism of fatigue and its significance in aerospace engineering.
  2. Analyze the fatigue strength of metals.
  3. Learn the principles of fracture mechanics as they relate to fatigue.
  4. Explore the influence of stress conditions on fatigue strength.
  5. Study stress concentrations and their effects on fatigue.
  6. Examine the impact of surface treatments on fatigue behavior.
  7. Investigate corrosion fatigue and fretting corrosion phenomena.

Course Content

  • Introduction: Failure modes, History, Fatigue design methods.
  • Stress-Life Approach: Fatigue tests, equipment, Stress-life behavior, Mean stress, S-N Behavior, approximations, the effect of residual stresses.
  • Strain-Life Approach: Monotonic stress-strain behavior, Strain controlled tests, Stress-strain behavior, Cyclic stress-strain, Strain-Life estimation, Strain-Life fatigue properties, Mean stress effects, and Influencing factors. 
  • Effect of Notches: Notch stress analysis, notch sensitivity, Notch strain analysis, Strain life approach to life predictions.
  • Fatigue Life Estimation – Variable Amplitude Loading, Cumulative damage, life estimation – Miner’s Rule
  • Fatigue Crack Growth: LEFM, Stress Intensity Factor (SIF), SIF Solutions, applications, Plastic Zones, Fracture Toughness, Fatigue crack growth, Mean stress Effects, Cyclic Plastic zones, Crack Closure, Small Cracks & LEFM, Life Estimation, Combined Life estimation & Crack Growth Retardation

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Exams

Description

Study of atmospheric and space propulsion systems with emphasis on topics of particular current interest. Mission analysis in space as it affects the propulsion system. Power generation in space including direct and indirect energy conversion schemes.

Learning Objective

  1. Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of atmospheric and space propulsion systems, with a particular focus on contemporary topics of relevance in the field.
  2. Equip students with the skills and knowledge to analyze space missions and assess how various aspects of propulsion systems impact mission planning and execution.
  3. Explore the concepts and technologies related to power generation in space, including both direct and indirect energy conversion schemes, to address the unique energy needs of space missions.

Course Content

  • Control Volume Problems and Fluids/Propulsion Review Notes, hand-outs, 
  • Non-Ideal Engines 
  • Engine Off-Design Performance and Component Matching Notes
  • Turbo-Machinery Aerodynamics 
  • Chemical Rockets 
  • Non-Chemical Rockets and Space Missions 
  • Turboprop Analysis 
  • Power Generation in Space handouts, notes
  • Ramjet/Scramjet Engine Design 
  • Innovative Hybrid & Combined-Cycle (Rocket-Airbreather) Aerospace Engines handouts
  • Rocket Nozzles/Aero-Spike and Plug Nozzle Analysis handouts
  • Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Projects 
  • Exams

Description

Further topics in orbital mechanics. Time equations, Lambert's problem, patched-conic method, orbital maneuvers, orbit determination, orbit design, and re-entry problem.

Learning Objective

  1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of electrostatics, electromagnetics, and charged particle motion.
  2. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of Debye lengths, plasma as a fluid, plasma as individual particles, diffusion and resistivity of plasma, and plasma Beta.
  3. Interpret a plasma probe diagnostic characteristic for different probe diagnostics used to interrogate plasmas.
  4. Explain the main components of a laboratory vacuum system.
  5. Describe typical computational techniques for plasma physics.

Course Content

  • Review of Electricity and Magnetism
  • Single Particle Motion
  • Plasma Kinetic Theory and Computational Techniques
  • Nonlinear Effects
  • Plasma Fluid
  • Diffusion and Resistivity
  • MHD Equilibrium
  • Laboratory Basics (Vacuum Systems, Plasma Sources)

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Midterm Exam
  • Project 
  • Final Exam 

Description

Further topics in orbital mechanics. Time equations, Lambert's problem, patched-conic method, orbital maneuvers, orbit determination, orbit design, and re-entry problem.

Learning Objective

  1. Deepen students' understanding of orbital mechanics by exploring advanced topics beyond the basics, focusing on concepts like time equations, Lambert's problem, and patched-conic methods.
  2. Equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to perform orbital maneuvers, determine orbits accurately, and design orbits for specific mission objectives.
  3. Address the challenges and complexities of spacecraft re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, and study spacecraft trajectories to ensure safe and precise mission outcomes.

Course Content

  • Introduction, Course Overview, History of Celestial Mechanics, Notation, Kepler’s and
  • Newton’s Laws, n-Body Problem
  • The Two-Body Problem
  • Elliptical, Parabolic, Hyperbolic Orbits, Kepler's Equation, Flight Path Angle
  • Orbit Maneuvers, Orbit Transfers
  • Orbit Maneuvers, Orbit Transfers
  • The Patched Conic Method
  • The Patched Conic Method
  • Orbit Determination, Lambert's Problem and Trajectory Design
  • Orbit Determination, Lambert's Problem and Trajectory Design
  • Orbital Elements, Ground Tracks
  • Reentry
  • Orbital Perturbations (Including the Geopotential Field)
  • Orbital Perturbations (Including the Geopotential Field)
  • Euler-Hill Equations
  • The Three-Body Problem

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Midterm Exams
  • Final Exam

Description

Students will be introduced to the concurrent engineering approach to product development. They will learn to set up quantitative requirements and then use a quantitative rating process to identify the critical requirements relating to the desired product. The interaction between design, manufacturing, assembly, cost, and supportability will be covered. The students will form teams and practice the concurrent engineering process for simple products.

Learning Objective

  1. Introduce students to the principles and practices of concurrent engineering for product development, emphasizing a holistic and collaborative approach.
  2. Teach students how to establish clear and measurable requirements for products, enabling them to define critical specifications through a quantitative rating process.
  3. Foster an understanding of the intricate interplay between design, manufacturing, assembly, cost, and supportability aspects in product development. 

Course Content

  • Introduction to Concurrent Engineering
  • Opportunity Identification
  • Product Planning
  • Identifying Customer Needs
  • Quality Function Deployment (QFD)
  • Concept Screening/Scoring
  • Industrial Design
  • Project Management
  • Organizing Concurrent Engineering
  • Design Structure Matrix (DSM)
  • Design for Manufacturing
  • Design for Assembly
  • Technology Transition
  • Product Development Economics
  • Information Technology
  • Management Systems

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • Project 
  • Case Analysis 
  • Final Exam 

Description

The course deals with uncertainties in engineering analysis and design at three levels - uncertainty modeling, uncertainty analysis, and design under uncertainty. It covers physics-based reliability analysis and reliability-based design, robustness assessment and robust design, their integration with design simulations, and their engineering applications.

Learning Objective

  1. Acquire basic knowledge about uncertainty modeling with statistics and probability theory
  2. Model engineering problems probabilistically
  3. Predict product performance, including reliability and robustness
  4. Design components with reliability and robustness consideration
  5. Interpret analysis predictions and design results

Course Content

  • Probability theory
  • Statistics
  • Application in system reliability
  • Random simulation
  • Uncertainty (reliability) analysis
  • Robustness assessment
  • Sensitivity analysis
  • Introduction to design optimization
  • Reliability-based design
  • Robust design
  • Introduction to Design for Six Sigma
  • Integrated probabilistic design
  • Case studies in industry

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Exams