Aerospace engineering

Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned

with the development of aircraft and spacecraft.[3] It has two major
Aerospace engineer
and overlapping branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical
engineering. Avionics engineering is similar, but deals with the
electronics side of aerospace engineering.

"Aeronautical engineering" was the original term for the field. As

flight technology advanced to include vehicles operating in outer
space, the broader term "aerospace engineering" has come into use.[4]
Aerospace engineering, particularly the astronautics branch, is often
NASA engineers, seen here in
colloquially referred to as "rocket science".[5]
mission control during Apollo 13,
worked diligently to protect the lives
of the astronauts on the mission.
Contents Occupation
Overview Names Aerospace
History engineer
Elements Engineer

Degree programs Occupation Profession

type
In popular culture
Activity Aeronautics,
See also sectors astronautics,
References science
Further reading Description
External links Competencies Technical
knowledge,
management skills
Overview (see also glossary
of aerospace
Flight vehicles are subjected to demanding conditions such as those engineering)
caused by changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature, with
Education Bachelor's
structural loads applied upon vehicle components. Consequently, they required
are usually the products of various technological and engineering Degree[1][2]
disciplines including aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, materials Fields of Technology,
science, structural analysis and manufacturing. The interaction employment science, space
between these technologies is known as aerospace engineering. exploration,
Because of the complexity and number of disciplines involved, military
aerospace engineering is carried out by teams of engineers, each
having their own specialized area of expertise.[6]

History
 The origin of aerospace engineering can be traced back to the aviation
pioneers around the late 19th to early 20th centuries, although the
work of Sir George Cayley dates from the last decade of the 18th to
mid-19th century. One of the most important people in the history of
aeronautics[7] and a pioneer in aeronautical engineering,[8] Cayley is
credited as the first person to separate the forces of lift and drag,
which affect any atmospheric flight vehicle.[9]

Orville and Wilbur Wright flew the Early knowledge of aeronautical engineering was largely empirical,
Wright Flyer in 1903 at Kitty Hawk, with some concepts and skills imported from other branches of
North Carolina. engineering.[10] Some key elements, like fluid dynamics, were
understood by 18th-century scientists.

In December 1903, the Wright Brothers performed the first sustained, controlled flight of a powered, heavier-
than-air aircraft, lasting 12 seconds. The 1910s saw the development of aeronautical engineering through the
design of World War I military aircraft.

Between World Wars I and II, great leaps were made in the field, accelerated by the advent of mainstream civil
aviation. Notable airplanes of this era include the Curtiss JN 4, the Farman F.60 Goliath, and Fokker Trimotor.
Notable military airplanes of this period include the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, the Supermarine Spitfire and the
Messerschmitt Bf 109 from Japan, United Kingdom, and Germany respectively. A significant development in
aerospace engineering came with the first operational Jet engine-powered airplane, the Messerschmitt Me 262
which entered service in 1944 towards the end of the second World War.

The first definition of aerospace engineering appeared in February 1958,[4] considering the Earth's atmosphere
and outer space as a single realm, thereby encompassing both aircraft (aero) and spacecraft (space) under the
newly coined term aerospace.

In response to the USSR launching the first satellite, Sputnik, into space on October 4, 1957, U.S. aerospace
engineers launched the first American satellite on January 31, 1958. The National Aeronautics and Space
Administration was founded in 1958 as a response to the Cold War. In 1969, Apollo 11, the first manned space
mission to the moon took place. It saw three astronauts enter orbit around the Moon, with two, Neil Armstrong
and Buzz Aldrin, visiting the lunar surface. The third astronaut, Michael Collins, stayed in orbit to rendezvous
with Armstrong and Aldrin after their visit.[11]

An important innovation came on January 30, 1970, when the

Boeing 747 made its first commercial flight from New York to
London. This aircraft made history and became known as the
"Jumbo Jet" or "Whale"[12] due to its ability to hold up to 480
passengers.[13]

Another significant development in aerospace engineering came in

1976, with the development of the first passenger supersonic
aircraft, the Concorde. The development of this aircraft was agreed
upon by the French and British on November 29, 1962.[14] A Ball Aerospace engineer performs
final checks before the spacecraft is
On December 21, 1988, the Antonov An-225 Mriya cargo aircraft shipped to NASA's Kennedy Space
commenced its first flight. It holds the records for the world's Center in Florida for launch
heaviest aircraft, heaviest airlifted cargo, and longest airlifted cargo, processing.
and has the widest wingspan of any aircraft in operational service.
On October 25, 2007, the Airbus A380 made its maiden commercial flight from Singapore to Sydney,
Australia. This aircraft was the first passenger plane to surpass the Boeing 747 in terms of passenger capacity,
with a maximum of 853. Though development of this aircraft began in 1988 as a competitor to the 747, the
A380 made its first test flight in April 2005.[15]

Elements
Some of the elements of aerospace engineering are:[16][17]

Radar cross-section – the study of vehicle signature

apparent to remote sensing by radar.
Fluid mechanics – the study of fluid flow around objects.
Specifically aerodynamics concerning the flow of air over
bodies such as wings or through objects such as wind
tunnels (see also lift and aeronautics).
Astrodynamics – the study of orbital mechanics including
prediction of orbital elements when given a select few
variables. While few schools in the United States teach this
at the undergraduate level, several have graduate
programs covering this topic (usually in conjunction with
the Physics department of said college or university).
Statics and Dynamics (engineering mechanics) – the study
of movement, forces, moments in mechanical systems. Wernher von Braun, with the F-1
engines of the Saturn V first stage at
Mathematics – in particular, calculus, differential equations,
the US Space and Rocket Center
and linear algebra.
Electrotechnology – the study of electronics within
engineering.
Propulsion – the energy to move a vehicle through the air
(or in outer space) is provided by internal combustion
engines, jet engines and turbomachinery, or rockets (see
also propeller and spacecraft propulsion). A more recent
addition to this module is electric propulsion and ion
propulsion.
Control engineering – the study of mathematical modeling
of the dynamic behavior of systems and designing them,
usually using feedback signals, so that their dynamic Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft
behavior is desirable (stable, without large excursions, with engineered for descent by parachute
minimum error). This applies to the dynamic behavior of
aircraft, spacecraft, propulsion systems, and subsystems
that exist on aerospace vehicles.
Aircraft structures – design of the physical configuration of
the craft to withstand the forces encountered during flight.
Aerospace engineering aims to keep structures lightweight
and low-cost while maintaining structural integrity.[18]
Materials science – related to structures, aerospace
engineering also studies the materials of which the
aerospace structures are to be built. New materials with
very specific properties are invented, or existing ones are A fighter jet engine undergoing
modified to improve their performance. testing. The tunnel behind the engine
Solid mechanics – Closely related to material science is allows noise and exhaust to escape.
solid mechanics which deals with stress and strain
analysis of the components of the vehicle. Nowadays there
 are several Finite Element programs such as MSC Patran/Nastran which aid engineers in the
analytical process.
Aeroelasticity – the interaction of aerodynamic forces and structural flexibility, potentially
causing flutter, divergence, etc.
Avionics – the design and programming of computer systems on board an aircraft or spacecraft
and the simulation of systems.
Software – the specification, design, development, test, and implementation of computer
software for aerospace applications, including flight software, ground control software, test &
evaluation software, etc.
Risk and reliability – the study of risk and reliability assessment techniques and the
mathematics involved in the quantitative methods.
Noise control – the study of the mechanics of sound transfer.
Aeroacoustics – the study of noise generation via either turbulent fluid motion or aerodynamic
forces interacting with surfaces.
Flight testing – designing and executing flight test programs in order to gather and analyze
performance and handling qualities data in order to determine if an aircraft meets its design and
performance goals and certification requirements.

The basis of most of these elements lies in theoretical physics, such as fluid dynamics for aerodynamics or the
equations of motion for flight dynamics. There is also a large empirical component. Historically, this empirical
component was derived from testing of scale models and prototypes, either in wind tunnels or in the free
atmosphere. More recently, advances in computing have enabled the use of computational fluid dynamics to
simulate the behavior of the fluid, reducing time and expense spent on wind-tunnel testing. Those studying
hydrodynamics or hydroacoustics often obtain degrees in aerospace engineering.

Additionally, aerospace engineering addresses the integration of all components that constitute an aerospace
vehicle (subsystems including power, aerospace bearings, communications, thermal control, life support, etc.)
and its life cycle (design, temperature, pressure, radiation, velocity, lifetime).

Degree programs
Aerospace engineering may be studied at the advanced diploma, bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. levels in
aerospace engineering departments at many universities, and in mechanical engineering departments at others.
A few departments offer degrees in space-focused astronautical engineering. Some institutions differentiate
between aeronautical and astronautical engineering. Graduate degrees are offered in advanced or specialty
areas for the aerospace industry.

A background in chemistry, physics, computer science and mathematics is important for students pursuing an
aerospace engineering degree.[19]

In popular culture
The term "rocket scientist" is sometimes used to describe a person of great intelligence since rocket science is
seen as a practice requiring great mental ability, especially technically and mathematically. The term is used
ironically in the expression "It's not rocket science" to indicate that a task is simple.[20] Strictly speaking, the
use of "science" in "rocket science" is a misnomer since science is about understanding the origins, nature, and
behavior of the universe; engineering is about using scientific and engineering principles to solve problems and
develop new technology.[5][21] However, "science" and "engineering" are often misused as
synonyms.[5][21][22]
See also
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
American Helicopter Society International
Flight test
Glossary of aerospace engineering
Index of aerospace engineering articles
List of aerospace engineering schools
List of aerospace engineers
List of Russian aerospace engineers
Sigma Gamma Tau (aerospace engineering honor society)
Space Power Facility

References
1. "Required Education" (http://study.com/articles/Aeronautical_Engineer_Educational_Requirem
ents.html). study.com. Retrieved 2015-06-22.
2. "Education, Aerospace Engineers" (http://www.myfuture.com/careers/education/aerospace-eng
ineers_17-2011.00). myfuture.com. Retrieved 2015-06-22.
3. Encyclopedia of Aerospace Engineering. John Wiley & Sons, 2010. ISBN 978-0-470-75440-5.
4. Stanzione, Kaydon Al (1989). "Engineering". Encyclopædia Britannica. 18 (15 ed.). Chicago.
p. 563.
5. NASA (2008). Steven J. Dick (ed.). Remembering the Space Age: Proceedings of the 50th
Anniversary Conference (https://history.nasa.gov/Remembering_Space_Age_A.pdf) (PDF).
p. 92. "The term "rocket scientist" is a misnomer used by the media and in popular culture and
applied to a majority of engineers and technicians who worked on the development of rockets
with von Braun. It reflects a cultural evaluation of the immense accomplishments of the team
but is nevertheless incorrect. ..."
6. "Career: Aerospace Engineer" (https://web.archive.org/web/20060509023617/http://www.princ
etonreview.com/cte/profiles/dayInLife.asp?careerID=5). Career Profiles. The Princeton Review.
Archived from the original (http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/profiles/dayInLife.asp?careerID
=5) on 2006-05-09. Retrieved 2006-10-08. "Due to the complexity of the final product, an
intricate and rigid organizational structure for production has to be maintained, severely
curtailing any single engineer's ability to understand his role as it relates to the final project."
7. "Sir George Cayley" (http://www.flyingmachines.org/cayl.html). flyingmachines.org. Retrieved
2009-07-26. "Sir George Cayley is one of the most important people in the history of
aeronautics. Many consider him the first true scientific aerial investigator and the first person to
understand the underlying principles and forces of flight."
8. "Sir George Cayley (British Inventor and Scientist)" (http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topi
c/100795/Sir-George-Cayley-6th-Baronet). Britannica. n.d. Retrieved 2009-07-26. "English
pioneer of aerial navigation and aeronautical engineering and designer of the first successful
glider to carry a human being aloft."
9. "Sir George Cayley" (https://web.archive.org/web/20140224123709/http://www.centennialofflig
ht.net/essay/Dictionary/Cayley/DI15.htm). U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission. Archived from
the original (http://www.centennialofflight.net/essay/Dictionary/Cayley/DI15.htm) on 24
February 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2016. "A wealthy landowner, Cayley is considered the
father of aerial navigation and a pioneer in the science of aerodynamics. He established the
scientific principles for heavier-than-air flight and used glider models for his research. He was
the first to identify the four forces of flight--thrust, lift, drag, and weight—and to describe the
relationship each had with the other."
10. Kermit Van Every (1988). "Aeronautical engineering". Encyclopedia Americana. 1. Grolier
Incorporated.
11. "A Brief History of NASA" (http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/factsheet.htm). NASA.
Retrieved 2012-03-20.
12. German, Kent. "Boeing 747: Queen of the Skies for 50 years" (https://www.cnet.com/news/boei
ng-747-queen-of-the-skies-for-50-years/). CNET. Retrieved 2019-09-11.
13. "Boeing 747-100 - Specifications - Technical Data / Description" (http://www.flugzeuginfo.net/ac
data_php/acdata_7471_en.php). www.flugzeuginfo.net. Retrieved 2019-09-11.
14. Zhang, Benjamin. "The Concorde made its final flight 15 years ago and supersonic air travel
has yet to recover — here's a look back at its awesome history" (https://www.businessinsider.co
m/concorde-supersonic-jet-history-2018-10). Business Insider. Retrieved 2019-09-10.
15. "History of the Airbus A380" (https://interestingengineering.com/the-brief-history-of-the-airbus-a
380). interestingengineering.com. 2019-03-31. Retrieved 2019-09-11.
16. "Science: Engineering: Aerospace" (http://open-site.org/Science/Engineering/Aerospace/).
Open Site. Retrieved 2006-10-08.
17. Gruntman, Mike (September 19, 2007). "The Time for Academic Departments in Astronautical
Engineering" (https://web.archive.org/web/20071018045825/http://aiaa.org/agenda.cfm?lumeet
ingid=1808&viewcon=agenda&pageview=2&programSeeview=1&dateget=19-Sep-07&format
view=1). AIAA SPACE 2007 Conference & Exposition Agenda. AIAA SPACE 2007
Conference & Exposition (http://www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=230&lumeetingid=1808&vie
wcon=submit). AIAA. Archived from the original (http://www.aiaa.org/agenda.cfm?lumeetingid=
1808&viewcon=agenda&pageview=2&programSeeview=1&dateget=19-Sep-07&formatview=
1) on October 18, 2007.
18. "Aircraft Structures in Aerospace Engineering" (https://web.archive.org/web/20151109124154/
http://aerospaceengineering.aero/aircraft-structures-in-aerospace-engineering/). Aerospace
Engineering, Aviation News, Salary, Jobs and Museums. Archived from the original (http://aero
spaceengineering.aero/aircraft-structures-in-aerospace-engineering/) on 2015-11-09.
Retrieved 2015-11-06.
19. "Entry education, Aerospace Engineers" (http://www.myfuture.com/careers/education/aerospac
e-engineers_17-2011.00). myfuture.com. Retrieved 2015-06-22.
20. Bailey, Charlotte (7 November 2008). "Oxford compiles list of top ten irritating phrases" (https://
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/debates/3394545/Oxford-compiles-list-of-top-ten-irritati
ng-phrases.html). The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2008-11-18. "10 - It's not rocket science"
21. Petroski, Henry (23 November 2010). "Engineering Is Not Science" (https://spectrum.ieee.org/a
t-work/tech-careers/engineering-is-not-science). IEEE Spectrum. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
"Science is about understanding the origins, nature, and behavior of the universe and all it
contains; engineering is about solving problems by rearranging the stuff of the world to make
new things."
22. Neufeld, Michael. Von Braun: Dreamer of Space, Engineer of War (First ed.). Vintage Books.
pp. xv. "There has been a deep-rooted failure in the English-speaking media and popular
culture to grapple with the distinction between science and engineering."

Further reading
Dharmahinder Singh Chand. Aero-Engineering Thermodynamics. Knowledge Curve, 2017.
ISBN 978-93-84389-16-1.

External links
NDTAeroTech.com, The Online Community for Aerospace NDT Professionals (https://web.arch
ive.org/web/20090601084901/http://ndtaerotech.com/)
 Kroo, Ilan. "Aircraft Design: Synthesis and Analysis" (https://web.archive.org/web/2001022323
2617/http://adg.stanford.edu/aa241/AircraftDesign.html). Stanford University. Archived from the
original (http://adg.stanford.edu/aa241/AircraftDesign.html) on 23 February 2001. Retrieved
17 January 2015.
Air Service Training Aviation Maintenance UK (http://www.airservicetraining.co.uk/)

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