Introduction to Aerospace Engineering

4.0 credits

An introduction to aerospace engineering for first-year students, spanning dynamics, motion, and stability of aircraft; aerodynamics, propulsion in air and in space; and structures and materials for aerospace applications. Students learn the properties of air as an engineering fluid, how to assess the dynamics of motion through air, how to compute drag and lift forces on aircraft based on aerodynamic principles, how propulsion systems use fuel, ignition, and combustion to create thrust, and how aerospace structures are designed to ensure mechanical safety under pressurized loads and fatigue conditions for materials ranging from light metals and their alloys to fiber reinforced composites. The course includes short experiments conducted in small student teams, and case studies of specific aircraft systems.