Module overview
This module provides students with a comprehensive introduction to aerospace design by blending technical knowledge, creativity, and hands-on skills. Students will learn the full design process, from design requirements to concept development, geometry modelling, and, eventually, creating a scaled model of their own design. The module emphasises sustainable, ethical, and inclusive design, focusing on human and environmental factors alongside historical and contemporary case studies that inspire innovative thinking.
Students will develop teamwork and communication skills through leadership and collaboration exercises, presenting their work effectively in verbal, visual, and written formats. Practical skills in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and manufacturing techniques, including parametric modelling and 3D printing, will be taught, culminating in the fabrication of a scaled prototype of the students’ own aircraft design.
Aerospace-specific content covers aircraft conceptual design at both system and component levels, with students using tools like OpenVSP and Python for aircraft synthesis, aerodynamic analysis, weight estimation and mission evaluation. Key topics include fuselage, wing, propulsion, empennage and landing gear design, offering students a well-rounded understanding of aircraft conceptual design. By the end of the module, students will have gained critical design, modelling, and prototyping skills, laying the foundation for further studies in aerospace engineering.