Mechanical Aerospace Engineering (Extended Degree) BEng (Hons)
Subject to Validation

Vibration and control will combine and build upon knowledge, understanding, and practical application within the subject of dynamics to tackle complex engineering problems. You will investigate how the field of control theory is used to measure and regulate vibrating mechanical systems through the selection and application of appropriate equipment. Advanced techniques and tools will be blended with the methodologies practised in previous years of your programme to facilitate investigation into complex mechanics-based problems where independence and creativity are encouraged to explore and critically evaluate potential solutions to more open-ended challenges. Analytical, computational, and experimental techniques will also be considered and applied to reach substantiated conclusions.

The mechanics of continuous systems will unify your knowledge, understanding, and practical abilities within the subject of mechanics to tackle complex engineering problems. Advanced techniques and tools will be blended with the methodologies practised at previous levels to facilitate investigation into complex mechanics-based problems where independence and creativity is essential to explore and critically evaluate potential solutions to more open-ended challenges. Analytical, computational, and experimental techniques will be considered, applied and judged to reach substantiated conclusions related to increasingly complex problems including greater degrees of freedom and integration of multiple system components.

In this module you will learn the architecture, and how to program a high performance microcontroller - ARM cortex series. You will learn how to apply the mathematical, natural science and engineering principles and knowledge in electrical and electronic engineering in an integrated approach to solve the problem of embedded systems with link to real world problems, by using the recent embedded hardware and software technologies. You will also learn how to critically analyse the performance of the embedded systems to verify if a given performance requirement and specification is met, with comprehensive consideration of safety environmental and commercial matters. You will learn how to write a technical report on complex engineering matters with critical evaluation of the performance of the embedded system you design.

Specifically this will include:
- A consideration of the relative merits of a number of commercially available microcontrollers
- Embedded software engineering and lifecyle of embedded system development
- Flowchart for embedded software system design
- A detailed investigation of the ARM cortex series of microcontrollers, including architecture, peripherals and capabilities.
- Using ARM IDE development tools to compose, compile and fault find programs written in a high level programming language ('C').
- Features of the ARM microcontroller that will be considered are:
- Clock generation - internal/external
- GPIO - general purpose input/output
- ADC - analogue to digital converter
- USART, SPI, I2C - serial communications
- Timers
- Interrupt capability

The module aims to provide a solid understanding of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics of high speed compressible flows and basic principles of operation of turbomachines relevant to aeronautical engineering. The module provides students with the necessary basic knowledge and understanding of propulsion and lift creating devices; it forms solid basis for subsequent self or guided ln-depth learning study of air-borne vehicles and their engines. It provides understanding of turbomachinery types for auxiliary and main thrust-generation purposes. In addition to providing a subject-specific knowledge, the module develops analytical and problem solving skills.

Through a consideration of a holistic example, the following topics will be encountered by the students:

Basic gas dynamics: isentropic flows, stagnation and static properties. Propelling nozzles, steady one-dimensional flow including friction and heat transfer.

Non-isentropic flows: planar and oblique shock waves. Rarefaction waves. Introduction to steady two-dimensional supersonic flow: lift and drag on a winglet

Sub- and supersonic intake nozzles, ram effect and pressure recovery

Principles of turbo-machinery. Velocity triangles, Euler equation. Head-flow characteristic, stability of operation: choking and stall. Dimensionless criteria.

Types of rotodynamic machines: axial and centrifugal. Degree of reaction. Isentropic efficiency. Elementary introduction to aeroplane engines: axial gas turbines and compressors, engine matching.

By addressing such issues using an informed and creative engineering approaches, you will gain confidence in solution of complex and authentic engineering problems related to high-speed air-borne flight. The module delivery uses the electronic learning platform (eLP) to provide a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning.

This individual project module gives you an opportunity to carry out an extended study in choosing an aerospace-related topic of mechanical engineering; it develops your ability to work independently, builds your competence and confidence, and promotes your self-reliance. It teaches you how to select and critically assess technical literature with the guidance on how to source it and assess the appropriateness of information is provided to you by your project supervisor. The module also aims to develop both verbal and written communication skills.

A key aim is to encourage you to apply theoretical and analytical techniques to solve an applied problem of your choice. The project will provide practical experience of drawing up a project specification defining aims, objectives and identifying an envisaged endpoint. With the supervisor’s guidance, you will prepare a project plan that includes a Gantt chart, project background and sourcing previous work and associated theory and numerical simulation tools

To meet the University requirements and gain practical experience, you will perform a risk assessment to identify potential risks and hazards associated with the project. In addition to this you will conduct an assessment of the project risks and suggest mitigation measures for those. You will follow the defined plan to complete the project that will involve the application of appropriate theory and simulations leading to the production of prototype designs.

You will be encouraged to monitor your progress based upon the project plan and complete the design cycle by testing and redesign, if necessary. A final project report and oral or poster presentation to the supervisor, second markers and peers will be required towards the end of the module. You must maintain contact with the supervisor on a regular basis to discuss and assess progress and obtain advice. As a part of developing employability skills throughout the programme, you will continue to update and record your professional development.

The module provides students with skills and knowledge to develop scientific and/or electronic systems for space applications. The topics covered are:

The space environment - launch, orbits, rocket equation, drag, radiation, vacuum, thermal gradients.

Satellite systems and system development for space applications - radio communication, ground stations and link budgets, solar power, data processing, Earth observation, optimisation of systems for space, materials choice for space, component characteristics, mechanical and thermal testing.

Product Acceptance and Qualification Assurance for space – industry standards for space-worthy design, functional testing, simulation of operations, verification and validation processes.

Environmental Testing – theory and practice of vibration testing, resonant sweeps, shock tests and random noise tests. Theory and practice of thermal vacuum testing, the effect of vacuum on electronics and thermal cycling. Theory and practice of radiation testing, how radiation effects electronics, how to design to be radiation tolerant, and testing components in the x-ray irradiator.