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2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MECH3450 Aerospace Vehicle Design

20 creditsClass Size: 200

Module manager: Dr Greg de Boer
Email: G.N.deBoer@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

All 1st year and 2nd year Design modules

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

Understand the application of design to the modern aerospace industry. Design the different aspects of an aerospace vehicle, initial conceptual, performance prediction, vehicle sizing leading onto detail design of the different aerospace vehicle systems.

Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course, student will be able to:
1. Work as part of a team in the design of an aerospace vehicle
2. Understand the application of design to the modern aerospace industry
3. Determine the general configuration of an aerospace vehicle
4. Determine the configuration of the fuselage, wing, powerplant, control mechanism and landing/takeoff process/mechanism (undercarriage).
5. Estimate aerodynamic and operational characteristics of the aerospace vehicle.
6. Evaluate and present the preliminary design of the aerospace vehicle.

Skills outcomes
On completion of this module students will have acquired the following skills:
- written communication
- problem solving
- interpersonal communication
- personal initiative
- oral presentation
- adaptability to changing requirements
- teamwork
- numeracy
- planning and organising
- computer skills
- research
- time management
- critical analysis and argument.


Syllabus

1. General aspects of aerospace configuration development, specifications, design process, civil airworthiness requirements
2. Aerospace vehicle arrangement, sizing, component locations, unconventional configurations.
3. Fuselage design for airline, general aviation, cargo.
4. Flight deck design, visibility.
5. Design and performance, weight prediction, drag estimation, performance requirements, synthesis and optimisation.
6. Powerplant selection and installation.
7. Wing design, wing area and loading, low and high subsonic & supersonic wings, high lift devices, wing structures.
8. Aerospace vehicle weight and balance, prediction, centre of gravity location.
9. Preliminary tailplane design, longitudinal and lateral stability requirements.
10. Undercarriage layout.
11. Aerodynamic and operational characteristics, flight envelope.
12. Preliminary design presentation and reporting.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture11.001.00
Tutorial431.0043.00
Private study hours156.00
Total Contact hours44.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

- Students are to spend on average 1 hour preparation/revision for each lecture (1 hour - total)
- and 156 hours to carry out the aerospace conceptual design, write the report and prepare for the presentation.

During both semesters in order to prepare for the final presentation students will have to:
- prepare several individual presentation
- as well as delivering 3 group presentations to demonstrate their progress.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will be given feedback during the tutorial sessions where they will apply the principles learned from researching the relevant reference books + other sources to design an aerospace vehicle such as an aeroplane, helicopter, space vehicle, etc.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
ReportFinal Design Group Report60.00
PresentationFinal Design Group Presentation15.00
ReportPreliminary Design Group Report20.00
PresentationPreliminary Design Group Presentation5.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 07/08/2017

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