2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MECH5725M Aerospace Systems Engineering

15 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Andrew Shires
Email: A.Shires@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisite qualifications

3 years of undergraduate modules from Mechanical or another Engineering discipline

Module replaces

MECH 5765M Vehicle Systems Engineering

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The module aims to provide a solid understanding of the development of aerospace and aircraft systems and their design.

Objectives

Through this module students will be introduced to key aircraft systems, their design requirements and considerations. The students will learn how to approach the design of an aerospace system using a systems engineering approach that will focus on the Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) approach and techniques. As part of MBSE, SysML language will be introduced.
The delivery of this module will include live lectures, pre-recorded teaching topics, recorded tutorials and a practical lab session. The practical lab session is going to introduce the students to a system integration scenario whereby an integration and testing plan will have to be executed followed by a fault tracing activity.

Learning outcomes
At the end of this module, students will have learnt how to:
MLO 1. Organise information to facilitate system integration using systems engineering approach
MLO 2. Identify aerospace subsystems for a given mission
MLO 3. Integrate aerospace subsystems using model based engineering approach
MLO 4. Formulate systems requirements
MLO 5. Design to maximise performance of aerospace system
MLO 6. Investigate faults and analyse the reliability of aircraft systems
MLO 7. Assemble a UAV flight control system and appraise its performance

Upon successful completion of this module the following UK-SPEC learning outcome descriptors are satisfied:
(UG)

A comprehensive understanding of the relevant scientific principles of the specialisation (SM1m, SM7M)
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computational models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations (SM5m)
A critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights most of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the specialisation (SM8M)
Understanding of concepts relevant to the discipline, some from outside engineering, and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them effectively, including in engineering projects (SM9M)
Understanding of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to undertake critical analysis of key engineering processes (EA1m)
Ability to identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques (EA2)
Ability both to apply appropriate engineering analysis methods for solving complex problems in engineering and to assess their limitations (EA3m, EA6M)
Understanding of, and the ability to apply, an integrated or systems approach to solving complex engineering problems (EA4m)
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies (EA5m)
Ability to extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of unfamiliar problems (EA6m)
Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations (D10M)
Awareness that engineers need to take account of the commercial and social contexts in which they operate (EL9M)
Awareness that engineering activities should promote sustainable development and ability to apply quantitative techniques where appropriate (EL11M)
Awareness of relevant regulatory requirements governing engineering activities in the context of the particular specialisation (EL12M)
Advanced level knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and components (P12M)
Understanding of the use of technical literature and other information sources (P4)
Understanding of appropriate codes of practice and industry standards (P6)
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely new developments (P9m)
Ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints (P10m)
Apply their skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others and the effective use of general IT facilities (G1)

Skills outcomes
1. Analytical skills
2. Communication skills
3. Creative problem solving
4. Research skills

Syllabus

1. Systems design and development including: Performance analysis, Risk analysis and management and Lifecycle value
2. Hydraulic systems;
3. Pneumatic systems;
4. Electrical systems;
5. Avionics systems, Flight control systems and navigation systems;
6. Fuel and engine systems;
7. Emergency systems;
8. Environmental control systems.
9. Systems integration

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	30	1.00	30.00
Practical	1	3.00	3.00
Private study hours			117.00
Total Contact hours			33.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Throughout the course there will be a number of tutorial classes within the lectures, together with one piece of coursework to guarantee appropriate feedback before the end of course. Informative feedback will be provided for all work.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Individual piece of coursework where student answers a number of systems questions either related to design, calculations, etc	40.00
Assignment	Individual piece of coursework where student answers a number of systems questions either related to design, calculations, etc	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Assignment 1 assesses Module Learning Outcomes 1-4 with the students being introduced to the model based systems engineering approach. They will be required to produce designs of simplified systems, SysML diagrams of simplified systems and develop a model of a simplified system for analysis. In the second assignment the students will be assessed in more depth on their ability to work with more complex systems, develop integration and testing plans, re-design based on given requirements while meeting all the system needs and maintaining the success of interactions between systems. Assignment 2 is more complex and covers all LO’s since those assessed in the first assignment are a subset of the skills needed for the second assignment. A practical lab session will introduce the students to a system integration scenario whereby an integration and testing plan will have to be executed followed by a fault tracing activity. The assignment will require creative thinking from the student in terms of proposing a suitable design, which should also highlight any potential malpractice since there is no single solution to the design problem. Resit students do not have to retake the laboratory and will only need to submit a new individual resit assignment that will assess all Learning Outcomes.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 19/01/2024

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