Aerospace Engineering
Undergraduate Study
For undergraduate curriculum in aerospace engineering leading to the degree bachelor of science. This curriculum is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
The aerospace engineer is primarily concerned with the design, analysis, testing, and overall operation of vehicles which operate in air, water, and space. The curriculum is designed to provide the student with an education in the fundamental principles of aerodynamics, flight dynamics, propulsion, structural mechanics, flight controls, design, testing, and space technologies. A wide variety of opportunities awaits the aerospace engineering graduate in research, development, design, production, sales, and management in the aerospace industry, and in many related industries in which fluid flow, control, and transportation problems play major roles.
A cooperative education program in aerospace engineering is available in cooperation with government agencies and industry. The usual four-year curriculum is extended over a five-year span to permit alternating industrial experience periods and academic periods. This arrangement offers valuable practical experience and financial assistance during the college years.
Undergraduate Mission and Educational Objectives
The Department of Aerospace Engineering maintains an internationally recognized academic program in aerospace engineering via ongoing consultation with students, faculty, industry, and aerospace professionals. Results of these consultations are used in a process of continuous academic improvement to provide the best possible education for our students.
Mission statement:
The mission of the aerospace engineering program is to prepare the aerospace engineering student for a career with wide-ranging opportunities in research, development, design, production, sales, and management in the aerospace industry and in the many related industries which are involved with the solution of multi-disciplinary, advanced technology problems.
Program Educational Objectives:
Graduates should be actively contributing, valued members in their chosen profession showing continued professional growth.
Graduates should use their strong foundation in science, mathematics, and engineering to create innovative practices and/or technologies.
Graduates should demonstrate teamwork, leadership, planning, and initiative in advancing organizational goals.
Graduates should act with integrity, based on an awareness of the impact of their work – economic, environmental, and societal impact - and work to maintain high levels of cultural adaptability.
Graduates should demonstrate critical thinking and effective, multi-modal communication skills.
Graduates should strive to learn continuously through professional improvement opportunities and self study.
Graduates should work to ensure superior quality, customer satisfaction, and safety outcomes in their work.
Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE)
The NDE minor is multidisciplinary and open to undergraduates in the College of Engineering.
Graduate Study
The department offers work for the degrees master of engineering, master of science, and doctor of philosophy with major in aerospace engineering, and minor work to students taking major work in other departments. For all graduate degrees it is possible to establish a co-major program with another graduate degree granting department. Within the aerospace program, work is available in the following areas: aerospace systems design, atmospheric and space flight dynamics, computational fluid dynamics, control systems, wind engineering, fluid mechanics, optimization, structural analysis, and non-destructive evaluation.
The degrees master of science and doctor of philosophy require an acceptable thesis in addition to the coursework. For the degree master of engineering, a creative component or suitable project is required. Appropriate credit is allotted for this requirement.
Minor work for aerospace engineering majors is usually selected from mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, engineering mechanics, mechanical engineering, materials science, meteorology, computer science, and computer engineering.
The normal prerequisite to major graduate work in aerospace engineering is the completion of a curriculum substantially equivalent to that required of aerospace engineering students at this university. However, because of the diversity of interests within the graduate programs in aerospace engineering, a student whose prior undergraduate or graduate education has been in allied engineering and/or scientific fields may also qualify. In such cases, it may be necessary for the student to take additional work to provide the requisite background. A prospective graduate student is urged to specify the degree program and the specific field(s) of interest on the application for admission.
Courses normally will be offered at the times stated in the course description. Where no specific time of offering is stated, the course may be offered during any semester provided there is sufficient demand.
Curriculum in Aerospace Engineering
Leading to the degree bachelor of science.
Total credits required: 127.5. See also Basic Program and Special Programs.
International Perspectives 1: 3 cr.
U.S. Diversity1: 3 cr.
Communication Proficiency and Library requirements: ENGL 150 Critical Thinking and Communication and ENGL 250 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition with minimum grade of C in each course; LIB 160 Library Instruction. Department approval. (See Basic Program for credit requirements.)
General Education Electives: 15.0 cr2
Complete 15 cr. including a series. A series of at least two courses must be taken to fulfill this requirement.
Basic Program: 26.5 cr.4
Complete with 2.00 GPA including transfer courses:
| CHEM 167 | General Chemistry for Engineering Students | 4 |
| or CHEM 177 | General Chemistry I | |
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition * | 3 |
| ENGR 101 | Engineering Orientation | R |
| or AER E 101H | Engineering Honors Orientation | |
| AER E 160 | Aerospace Engineering Problems With Computer Applications Laboratory | 3 |
| LIB 160 | Library Instruction | 0.5 |
| MATH 165 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 166 | Calculus II | 4 |
| PHYS 221 | Introduction to Classical Physics I ** | 5 |
| Total Credits | 26.5 | |
| * | see above for grade requirements |
| ** | see Basic Program rule |
Math and Physical Science: 13 cr.
| MATH 265 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 267 | Elementary Differential Equations and Laplace Transforms | 4 |
| PHYS 222 | Introduction to Classical Physics II | 5 |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Aerospace Engineering Core: 48 cr.
| AER E 243 | Aerodynamics I | 3 |
| AER E 261 | Introduction to Performance and Design | 4 |
| AER E 311 | Gas Dynamics | 3 |
| AER E 321 | Flight Structures Analysis | 3 |
| AER E 321L | Aerospace Structures Laboratory | 2 |
| AER E 331 | Flight Control Systems I | 3 |
| AER E 344 | Aerodynamics and Propulsion Laboratory | 3 |
| AER E 351 | Astrodynamics I | 3 |
| AER E 355 | Aircraft Flight Dynamics and Control | 3 |
| AER E 411 | Aerospace Vehicle Propulsion I | 3 |
| AER E 421 | Advanced Flight Structures | 3 |
| AER E 361 | Computational Techniques for Aerospace Design | 3 |
| AER E 461 | Modern Design Methodology with Aerospace Applications | 3 |
| AER E 462 | Design of Aerospace Systems | 3 |
| E M 324 | Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
| M E 231 | Engineering Thermodynamics I | 3 |
| Total Credits | 48 | |
Other Remaining Courses: 25 cr.
| E M 274 | Statics of Engineering | 3 |
| E M 345 | Dynamics | 3 |
| MAT E 273 | Principles of Materials Science and Engineering | 3 |
| AER E 161 | Numerical, Graphical and Laboratory Techniques for Aerospace Engineering | 4 |
| 3 credits from the following | 3 | |
| Aerospace Vehicle Propulsion II | ||
| Aeroelasticity | ||
| Composite Flight Structures | ||
| Design of Aerospace Structures | ||
| Flight Control Systems II | ||
| V/STOL Aerodynamics and Performance | ||
| Computational Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer I | ||
| AER E 464 | Spacecraft Systems | 3 |
| Technical Electives (see below) | 3 | |
| Career Electives (see below) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 25 | |
Technical Electives, 3 cr. and Career Electives, 6 cr. selected from preceding Aer E list or departmental-approved 300-level or above courses relevant to technical and career areas.
Seminar/Co-op/Internships/Flight Experience:
| AER E 192 | Aerospace Seminar | R |
| AER E 291 | Aerospace Advising Seminar | R |
| AER E 292 | Aerospace Advising Seminar | R |
| AER E 301 | Flight Experience | R |
| AER E 391 | Aerospace Advising Seminar | R |
| AER E 392 | Aerospace Advising Seminar | R |
| AER E 491 | Aerospace Advising Seminar | R |
| Co-op and internships are optional | ||
- These university requirements will add to the minimum credits of the program unless the university-approved courses are also allowed by the department to meet other course requirements within the degree program. U.S. diversity and international perspectives courses may not be taken Pass/Not Pass.
- Choose from department approved list.
- See Basic Program for Professional Engineering Curricula for accepted substitutions for curriculum designated courses in the Basic Program.
- 2.00 required including transfer courses.
Courses primarily for undergraduate students
AER E 101H. Engineering Honors Orientation.
Cr. R.
F.
Prereq: Membership in the Freshman Honors Program
Introduction to the College of Engineering and the Aerospace Engineering profession. Information concerning university, college, and department policies, procedures and resources with emphasis on the Freshman Honors Program. Topics include experiential education study abroad opportunities, and department mentorships.
AER E 112. Orientation to Learning and Productive Team Membership.
(Cross-listed with CON E, FS HN, HORT, NREM, TSM). (2-0) Cr. 2.
F.
Introduction to developing intentional learners and worthy team members. Learning as the foundation of human enterprise; intellectual curiosity; ethics as a personal responsibility; everyday leadership; effective team and community interactions including team learning and the effects on individuals; and growth through understanding self, demonstrating ownership of own learning, and internalizing commitment to helping others. Intentional mental processing as a means of enhancing learning. Interconnectedness of the individual, the community, and the world.
AER E 160. Aerospace Engineering Problems With Computer Applications Laboratory.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: Satisfactory scores on mathematics placement assessments; credit or enrollment in MATH 142, 165
Solving aerospace engineering problems and presenting solutions through technical reports. Significant figures. SI units. Graphing and curve fitting. Flowcharting. Introduction to material balances, mechanics, electrical circuits, statistics engineering economics, and design. Spreadsheet programs. Introduction to UNIX/LINUX computing environments, and programming in FORTRAN. Team projects.
H. Honors. F.
AER E 161. Numerical, Graphical and Laboratory Techniques for Aerospace Engineering.
(3-2) Cr. 4.
F.S.
Prereq: 160 or equivalent course
Computer solutions to aerospace engineering problems using the FORTRAN language and Matlab(R), with emphasis on numerical methods. Introduction to computing environments including UNIX/LINUX. Graphical description of geometrical objects with emphasis on aerospace design. Solid modeling using computer graphics software. Develop proficiency with basic instrumentation utilized in subsequent Aerospace Engineering laboratory courses. Computational and statistical analysis of lab results. Written and oral technical reports, team projects.
H. Honors. S.
AER E 192. Aerospace Seminar.
Cr. R.
S.
Experimental lab set-up, graphical skills. Academic program planning.
H. Honors.
AER E 243. Aerodynamics I.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: Grade of C- or better in 261, MATH 265
Introduction to fluid mechanics and aerodynamics. Fluid properties, statics, and kinematics. Conservation equations in differential and integral form. Bernoulli's equation. Dimensional analysis. Basic potential flow concepts and solutions. Applications of multi-variable calculus to fluid mechanics and aerodynamics. Introduction to viscous flows. Laminar boundary layers. Incompressible flow over airfoils and wings.
AER E 261. Introduction to Performance and Design.
(4-0) Cr. 4.
F.S.
Prereq: 161, MATH 166, PHYS 221
Introduction to aerospace disciplinary topics, including: aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and flight dynamics with emphasis on performance. Technical report writing.
AER E 265. Scientific Balloon Engineering and Operations.
(Cross-listed with MTEOR). (0-2) Cr. 1.
Repeatable. F.
Engineering aspects of scientific balloon flights. Integration of science mission objectives with engineering requirements. Operations team certification. FAA and FCC regulations, communications, and command systems. Flight path prediction and control.
AER E 290. Independent Study.
Cr. 1-2.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Sophomore classification, approval of the department
A. Flight ground instruction
B. In-flight training (
C. Other
AER E 291. Aerospace Advising Seminar.
Cr. R.
F.
Academic program planning.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AER E 292. Aerospace Advising Seminar.
Cr. R.
S.
Academic program planning.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AER E 298. Cooperative Education.
Cr. R.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of department and Engineering Career Services
First professional work period in the cooperative education program. Students must register for this course prior to commencing work.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AER E 301. Flight Experience.
Cr. R.
F.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 355
Two hours of in-flight training and necessary ground instruction. Course content prescribed by the Aerospace Engineering Department. Ten hours of flight training certified in a pilot log book can be considered by the course instructor as evidence of satisfactory performance in the course.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AER E 311. Gas Dynamics.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 243, M E 231, credit or enrollment in 344
Subsonic, transonic, supersonic flows over airfoils and wings. Introduction to compressible viscous flows. Properties of liquids and gases, review of thermodynamic processes and relations, energy equation, compressible flow, shock and expansion waves, isentropic flow, Fanno and Rayleigh flow.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 321. Flight Structures Analysis.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: E M 324
3 hours of lecture weekly and laboratory alternating weeks. Determination of flight loads. Materials selection for flight applications. Analysis of flight structures including trusses, beams, frames, and shear panels employing classical and finite element methods.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 321L. Aerospace Structures Laboratory.
(1-2) Cr. 2.
S.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in AerE 321
Design of experiments. Data analysis. Strain gage installation. Measurement of stiffness/strength of aluminum. Analysis/fabrication/testing of rived joints. Shear/bending measurements inbeam sections. Analysis/measurement of strains in trusses. Buckling of columns. Stress concentration. Vibration testing of beams and plates. Fabrication/testing of composites.
AER E 331. Flight Control Systems I.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 355
Linear system analysis. Control system designs using root-locus and frequency response methods. Applications in flight control systems.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 344. Aerodynamics and Propulsion Laboratory.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 243, Credit or enrollment in 311
Similitude, dimensional analysis. Measurement uncertainty analysis. Pressure and velocity measurement methods and instruments. Pressure distribution around a circular cylinder. Aerodynamic performance of low-speed airfoils, airfoil wake flow, boundary layer flow. Flow visualization techniques for supersonic flows and de Laval nozzles.
AER E 351. Astrodynamics I.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: E M 345, AER E 261, Credit or enrollment in AER E 243
Introduction to astrodynamics. Two-body motion. Geocentric, lunar and interplanetary trajectories and applications. Launch and atmospheric re-entry trajectories.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 355. Aircraft Flight Dynamics and Control.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 261, MATH 267, E M 345
Aircraft rigid body equations of motion, linearization, and modal analysis. Longitudinal and lateral-directional static and dynamic stability analysis. Flight handling characteristics analysis. Longitudinal and lateral-directional open loop response to aircraft control inputs. Aircraft flight handling qualities.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 361. Computational Techniques for Aerospace Design.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: 243, MATH 267, E M 324, E M 345
Advanced programming, workstation environment, and development of computational tools for aerospace analysis and design. Technical report writing.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 381. Introduction to Wind Energy.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: MATH 166, Physics 221
Basic introduction to the fundamentals of Wind Energy and Wind Energy conversion systems. Topics include but not limited to various types of wind energy conversion systems and the aerodynamics, blade and tower structural loads, kinematics of the blades and meteorology.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 391. Aerospace Advising Seminar.
Cr. R.
F.S.
Academic program planning.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AER E 392. Aerospace Advising Seminar.
Cr. R.
S.
Academic program planning.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AER E 396. Summer Internship.
Cr. R.
Repeatable. SS.
Prereq: Permission of department and Engineering Career Services
Summer professional work period. Students must register for this course prior to commencing work.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AER E 397. Engineering Internship.
Cr. R.
Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Permission of department and Engineering Career Services
Students must register for this course prior to commencing work.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. Professional work period, one semester maximum per academic year.
AER E 398. Cooperative Education.
Cr. R.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: 298, permission of department and Engineering Career Services
Second professional work period in the cooperative education program. Students must register for this course prior to commencing work.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AER E 411. Aerospace Vehicle Propulsion I.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 311
Atmospheric propulsion system performance and cycle analysis. Momentum theorem, thrust and propulsive efficiency. Thermodynamics of compressible flow with heat and work addition. Components and principles of turbojets and turbofans. Rocket engines and ramjet principles.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 412. Aerospace Vehicle Propulsion II.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 411
Electricity and magnetism. Plasma physics. Ion engine performance. Introduction to advanced electromagnetic propulsion systems. Energy sources and nuclear propulsion. Low thrust mission analysis. Space mission requirements.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 417. Experimental Mechanics.
(Cross-listed with E M). (2-2) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2012.
Prereq: E M 324
Introduction of different aspects of measuring deformation, strains, and stress for practical engineering problems. Strain gage theory and application. Selected laboratory experiments.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 421. Advanced Flight Structures.
(2.5-1) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 321, MATH 266 or 267
Analysis of indeterminate flight structures including finite element laboratory. Static analysis of complex structural components subject to thermal and aerodynamic loads. Analytical and finite element solutions for stresses and displacements of membrane, plane stress, plate structures. Buckling of beams, frames, and plate structures. Introduction to vibration of flight structures. Steady state and transient structural response using normal modal analysis.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 422. Aeroelasticity.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2012.
Prereq: 421 or E M 450 or M E 450
Vibration theory. Steady and unsteady flows. Mathematical foundations of aeroelasticity, static and dynamic aeroelasticity. Linear unsteady aerodynamics, non-steady aerodynamics of lifting surfaces. Stall flutter. Aeroelastic problems in civil engineering structures. Aeroelastic problems of rotorcraft. Experimental aeroelasticity. Selected wind tunnel laboratory experiments.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 423. Composite Flight Structures.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
Prereq: E M 324; Mat E 272
Fabrication, testing and analysis of composite materials used in flight structures. Basic laminate theory of beams, plates and shells. Manufacturing and machining considerations of various types of composites. Testing of composites for material properties, strength and defects. Student projects required.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 426. Design of Aerospace Structures.
(1-6) Cr. 3.
Prereq: E M 324
Detailed design and analysis of aerospace vehicle structures. Material selection, strength, durability and damage tolerance, and validation analysis. Design for manufacturability.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 432. Flight Control Systems II.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 331
Aircraft lateral directional stability augmentation. Launch vehicle pitch control system design. Control of flexible vehicles. Satellite attitude control. Flight control designs based on state-space methods. Introduction to sample-data systems.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 442. V/STOL Aerodynamics and Performance.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 355
Introduction to the aerodynamics, performance, stability, control and critical maneuvering characteristics of V/STOL vehicles. Topics include hovercrafts, jet flaps, ducted fans and thrust vectored engines.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 446. Computational Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer I.
(Dual-listed with 546). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 161, 243
Basic concepts of discretization, consistency, and stability. Explicit and implicit methods for ordinary diffential equations. Methods for each type of partial differential equation. Iterative solution methods; curvilinear grids. Examples of basic algorithms.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 448. Fluid Dynamics of Turbomachinery.
(Cross-listed with M E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: M E 335 or equivalent
Applications of principles of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics in performance analysis and design of turbomachines and related fluid system components.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 451. Astrodynamics II.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 351
Simple orbit determination and prediction. Advanced orbit maneuvers, single-, double-, and triple-impulse; fixed-impulse, finite-duration. 3-D rigid-body dynamics, Euler's equations, satelite stabilization and attitude control. Earth gravity field models and gravity harmonics, orbit perturbations, variational methods, relative orbital mechanics, Clohessy-Wiltshire equations.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 461. Modern Design Methodology with Aerospace Applications.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: 361, 311, 321, 351, 355
Introduction to modern engineering design methodology. Computational constrained optimal design approach including selection of objective function, characterization of constraint system, materials and strength considerations, and sensitivity analyses.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 462. Design of Aerospace Systems.
(1-4) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: 461
Fundamental principles used in engineering design of aircraft, missile, and space systems. Preliminary design of aerospace vehicles. Engineering Ethics.
AER E 464. Spacecraft Systems.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 351
An examination of spacecraft systems including attitude determination and control, power, thermal control, communications, propulsion, guidance, navigation, command and data handling, and mechanisms. Explanation of space and operational environments as they impact spacecraft design. Includes discussion of safety, reliability, quality, maintainability, testing, cost, legal, and logistics issues.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 466. Multidisciplinary Engineering Design.
(Cross-listed with A E, CPR E, E E, ENGR, I E, M E, MAT E). (1-4) Cr. 3.
Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Student must be within two semesters of graduation and receive permission of instructor
Application of team design concepts to projects of a multidisciplinary nature. Concurrent treatment of design, manufacturing, and life cycle considerations. Application of design tools such as CAD, CAM, and FEM. Design methodologies, project scheduling, cost estimating, quality control, manufacturing processes. Development of a prototype and appropriate documentation in the form of written reports, oral presentations and computer models and engineering drawings.
AER E 481. Advanced Wind Energy: Technology and Design.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 381 or senior classification in engineering or junior in engineering with a course in fluid mechanics
Advanced topics in wind energy, emphasis on current practices. Theoretical foundations for horizontal and vertical axis wind turbine. Design codes for energy conversion systems design, aerodynamic an structural load estimation, wind resource characterization wind farm design, optimization.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
AER E 490. Independent Study.
Cr. 1-6.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Junior or senior classification, approval of the department
A. Aero and/or Gas Dynamics
B. Propulsion
C. Aerospace Structures
D. Flight Dynamics
E. Spacecraft Systems
F. Flight Control Systems
G. Aeroelasticity
H. Honors
I. Design
J. Non-destructive Evaluation
K. Wind Engineering
O. Other
AER E 491. Aerospace Advising Seminar.
Cr. R.
F.S.
Academic program planning.
AER E 498. Cooperative Education.
Cr. R.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 398, permission of department and Engineering Career Services
Third and subsequent professional work periods in the cooperative education program. Students must register for this course before commencing work.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AER E 499. Senior Project.
Cr. 1-2.
Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Senior classification, credit or enrollment in 491
Development of aerospace principles and concepts through individual research and projects. Written report.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduate students
AER E 514. Advanced Mechanics of Materials.
(Cross-listed with E M). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: E M 324
Theory of stress and strain, stress-strain relationships. Unsymmetrical bending, curved beams, shear center. Torsion of thin-walled noncircular sections. Equilibrium, compatibility equations. Airy stress functions. Membrane stresses in shells, thick-walled cylinders.
AER E 517. Experimental Mechanics.
(Cross-listed with E M). (3-2) Cr. 4.
Alt. S., offered 2012.
Prereq: E M 510 or 514 or 516
Fundamental concepts for force, displacement, stress, and strain measurements. Strain gages. Full field deformation measurements with laser interferometry and digital image processing. Advanced experimental concepts at the micro and nano scale regimes.
AER E 521. Airframe Analysis.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 421 or E M 424
Analysis of static stresses and deformation in continuous aircraft structures. Various analytical and approximate methods of analysis of isotropic and anisotropic plates and shells.
AER E 522. Design and Analysis of Composite Materials.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: E M 324
Composite constituent materials, micro-mechanics, laminate analysis, hygro-thermal analysis, composite failure, joining of composites, design of composite beams and plates, honeycomb core, manufacturing of composites, short fiber composites, and demonstration laboratory.
AER E 524. Numerical Mesh Generation.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: MATH 385, proficiency in programming
Introduction to modern mesh generation techniques. Structured and unstructured mesh methods, algebraic and PDE methods, elliptic and hyperbolic methods, variational methods, error analysis, Delaunay triangulation, data structures, geometric modeling with B-spline and NURBS surfaces, surface meshing.
AER E 525. Finite Element Analysis.
(Cross-listed with E M). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: E M 425, MATH 385
Variational and weighted residual approach to finite element equations. Emphasis on two- and three-dimensional problems in solid mechanics. Isoparametric element formulation, higher order elements, numerical integration, imposition of constraints and penalty, convergence, and other more advanced topics. Use of two- and three-dimensional computer programs. Dynamic and vibrational problems, eigenvalues, and time integration. Introduction to geometric and material nonlinearities.
AER E 531. Automatic Control of Flight Vehicles.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 331
Applications of classical and modern linear control theory to automatic control of flight vehicles. Spacecraft attitude control. Control of flexible vehicles. Linear-quadratic regulator design applications.
AER E 532. Compressible Fluid Flow.
(Cross-listed with M E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 311 or M E 335
Thermodynamics of compressible flow. Viscous and inviscid compressible flow equations. One dimensional steady flow; isentropic flow, normal shock waves oblique and curved shocks, constant area flow with friction and heat transfer. Linear theory and Prandtl-Glauert similarity. Method of characteristics. Subsonic, transonic, supersonic and hypersonic flows.
AER E 541. Incompressible Flow Aerodynamics.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 311 or M E 335
Kinematics and dynamics of fluid flow. Derivation of the Navier-Stokes, Euler and potential flow equations. Introduction to generalized curvilinear coordinates. Ideal fluids. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional potential flow. Complex variable methods.
AER E 543. Viscous Flow Aerodynamics.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 541
Navier-Stokes equations. Incompressible and compressible boundary layers. Similarity solutions. Computational and general solution methods. Introduction to stability of laminar flows, transition and turbulent flow.
AER E 545. Advance Experimental Technique for Thermal-Fluid Studies.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 311 or M E 335 or E M 378
Introduction of various experimental techniques widely used for fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, heat transfer, and combustion studies. Pressure gauge and transducers; Pitot tube; hot wire anemometry; shadowgraph and Schlieren Photography; laser Doppler velocimetry; particle image velocimetry (PIV); advanced PIV techniques ( stereo PIV, 3-D PIV, Holograph PIV, microscopic PIV); laser induced fluorescence; pressure sensitive painting, temperature sensitive painting; molecular tagging velocimetry; molecular tagging thermometry. Extensive application and demonstration laboratory experiments will be included.
AER E 546. Computational Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer I.
(Dual-listed with 446). (Cross-listed with M E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 541 or ME 538
Basic concepts of discretization, consistency,, and stability. Explicit and, implicit methods for ordinary diffential equations. Methods for each type of partial differential equation. Iterative solution methods; curvilinear grids. Examples of basic algorithms.
AER E 547. Computational Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer II.
(Cross-listed with M E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 546 or M E 546
Application of computational methods to current problems in fluid mechanics and heat transfer. Methods for solving the Navier-Stokes and reduced equation sets such as the Euler, boundary layer, and parabolized forms of the conservation equations. Introduction to relevant aspects of grid generation and turbulence modeling.
AER E 551. Orbital Mechanics.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 351
Review of 2-body problem. Orbital maneuvers. Relative motion in orbit. Orbit perturbation analysis. Gravity field expansions and effects on orbiters. 3-body problem with applications.
AER E 556. Guidance and Navigation of Aerospace Vehicles.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 331
Principles of guidance systems for spacecraft, launch vehicles, homing and ballistic missiles. Optimal guidance. Interplanetary transfer guidance with low thrust. Principles of inertial navigation. Theory and applications of the Global Positioning System. Celestial navigation procedures. Application of Kalman filtering to recursive navigation theory.
AER E 565. Systems Engineering and Analysis.
(Cross-listed with E E, I E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Coursework in basic statistics
Introduction to organized multidisciplinary approach to designing and developing systems. Concepts, principles, and practice of systems engineering as applied to large integrated systems. Life-cycle costing, scheduling, risk management, functional analysis, conceptual and detail design, test evaluation, and systems engineering planning and organization.
Not available for degrees in industrial engineering
AER E 566. Avionics Systems Engineering.
(Cross-listed with E E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: E E 565
Avionics functions. Applications of systems engineering principles to avionics. Top-down design of avionics systems. Automated design tools.
AER E 569. Mechanics of Composite and Combined Materials.
(Cross-listed with E M). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2012.
Prereq: E M 324
Mechanics of fiber-reinforced materials. Micromechanics of lamina. Macromechanical behavior of lamina and laminates. Strength and interlaminar stresses of laminates. Failure criteria. Stress analysis of laminates. Thermal moisture and residual stresses. Joints in composites.
AER E 570. Wind Engineering.
(Cross-listed with E M). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: E M 378, 345
Atmospheric circulations, atmospheric boundary layer wind, bluff-body aerodynamics, aeroelastic phenomena, wind-tunnel and full-scale testing, wind-load code and standards, effect of tornado and thunderstorm winds, design applications.
AER E 572. Turbulence.
(Cross-listed with CH E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2012.
Prereq: 543 or M E 538
Qualitative features of turbulence. Statistical and spectral representation of turbulent velocity fields: averages, moments, correlations, length and time scales and the energy cascade. Averaged equations of motion, closure requirements, Reynolds average models. Homogeneous shear flows, free shear flows, bounded flows. Numerical simulation of turbulence: DNS, LES, DES.
AER E 573. Random Signal Analysis and Kalman Filtering.
(Cross-listed with E E, MATH, M E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: E E 324 or AER E 331 or M E 370 or 411 or MATH 341 or 395
Elementary notions of probability. Random processes. Autocorrelation and spectral functions. Estimation of spectrum from finite data. Response of linear systems to random inputs. Discrete and continuous Kalman filter theory and applications. Smoothing and prediction. Linearization of nonlinear dynamics.
AER E 574. Optimal Control.
(Cross-listed with E E, MATH, M E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: E E 577
The optimal control problem. Variational approach. Pontryagin's principle. Hamilton-Jacobi equation. Dynamic programming. Time-optimal, minimum fuel, minimum energy control systems. The regulator problem. Structures and properties of optimal controls.
AER E 575. Introduction to Robust Control.
(Cross-listed with E E, MATH, M E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: E E 577
Introduction to modern robust control. Model and signal uncertainty in control systems. Uncertainty description. Stability and performance robustness to uncertainty. Solutions to the H2, Hoo, and l1 control problems. Tools for robustness analysis and synthesis.
AER E 576. Digital Feedback Control Systems.
(Cross-listed with E E, MATH, M E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: E E 475 or AER E 432 or M E 411 or 414 or MATH 415; and MATH 267
Sampled data, discrete data, and the z-transform. Design of digital control systems using transform methods; root locus, frequency response and direct design methods. Design using state-space methods. Controllability, observability, pole placement, state estimators. Digital filters in control systems. Microcomputer implementation of digital filters. Finite wordlength effects. Linear quadratic optimal control in digital control systems. Simulation of digital control systems.
AER E 577. Linear Systems.
(Cross-listed with E E, MATH, M E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: E E 324 or AER E 331 or M E 414 or MATH 415; and MATH 307
Linear algebra review. Least square method and singular value decomposition. State space modeling of linear continuous-time systems. Solution of linear systems. Controllability and observability. Canonical description of linear equations. Stability of linear systems. State feedback and pole placements. Observer design for linear systems.
AER E 578. Nonlinear Systems.
(Cross-listed with E E, MATH, M E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: E E 577
Linear vs nonlinear systems. Phase plane analysis. Bifurcation and center manifold theory. Lyapunov stability. Absolute stability of feedback systems. Input-output stability. Passivity theory and feedback linearization. Nonlinear control design techniques.
AER E 581. Perturbation Methods.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: MATH 267
Mathematical perturbation methods with applications to ordinary differential equations. Perturbation expansions. Order of magnitude and gauge functions. Matched asymptotic expansions. Boundary layer problems. Multiple scales. Resonance and mode coupling. Solvability conditions for differential equations. Physical and engineering applications.
AER E 590. Special Topics.
Cr. 1-5.
Repeatable, maximum of 3 times.
A. Aero and/or Gas Dynamics
B. Propulsion
C. Aerospace Structures
D. Flight Dynamics
E. Spacecraft Systems
F. Flight Control Systems
G. Aeroelasticity
H. Viscous Aerodynamics
I. Design
J. Hypersonics
K. Computational Aerodynamics
M. Non Destructive Evaluation
N. Wind Engineering
AER E 591. Graduate Student Seminar Series.
Cr. R.
Repeatable.
Presentation of professional topics by department graduate students. Development of presentation skills used in a professional conference setting involving question and answer format.
AER E 599. Creative Component.
Cr. 1-5.
Repeatable.
Courses for graduate students
AER E 647. Advanced High Speed Computational Fluid Dynamics.
(Cross-listed with M E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2012.
Prereq: 547
An examination of current methods in computational fluid dynamics. Differencing strategies. Advanced solution algorithms for unstructured meshes. Grid generation. Construction of higher-order CFD algorithms. Parallel computing. Current applications. Use of state of the art CFD codes.
AER E 690. Advanced Topics.
Cr. 1-5.
Repeatable.
A. Aero and/or Gas Dynamics
B. Propulsion
C. Aerospace Structures
D. Flight Dynamics
E. Spacecraft Systems
F. Flight Control Systems
G. Aeroelasticity
H. Viscous Aerodynamics
I. Design
J. Hypersonics
K. Computational Aerodynamics
M. Wind Engineering
AER E 697. Engineering Internship.
Cr. R.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of DOGE (Director of Graduate Education), graduate classification
One semester and one summer maximum per academic year professional work period.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
AER E 699. Research.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable.