Aerospace Dynamics MSc

Program Overview

Cranfield University's Aerospace Dynamics MSc equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and control. Through a combination of lectures, labs, and a research project, students gain a deep understanding of aircraft and aerial vehicle performance, stability, and control. The program prepares graduates for careers in the aerospace industry or further research in aerodynamics and flight dynamics.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Aerospace Dynamics MSc offered by Cranfield University is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills

necessary to understand and analyze the flow of air around aircraft and other aerial vehicles. It provides a solid foundation in both fundamental and applied aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and control. The program also offers practical experience in the measurement, analysis, and simulation of airflows and aerial vehicles.

The key objectives of the Aerospace Dynamics MSc are to:

• Provide students with a deep understanding of the principles of aerodynamics and flight dynamics.
• Equip students with the skills to analyze and model the flow of air around aircraft and other aerial vehicles.
• Develop students' ability to design and conduct experiments to measure the aerodynamic characteristics of aircraft.
• Introduce students to the principles of flight control and stability.
• Prepare students for careers in the aerospace industry or for further research in aerodynamics and flight dynamics.

Outline:

The Aerospace Dynamics MSc program consists of four main parts:

• Taught modules (50% of the program): These modules cover a wide range of topics related to aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and control.
Some of the key modules include:
• Introduction to Aerodynamics
• Flight Experimental Methods
• Compressible Flows
• Viscous Flow and Environmental Impact
• Control Systems
• Fundamentals of Rotorcraft Performance, Stability and Control
• Flying Qualities and Flight Control
• Flight Dynamics Principles
• Multivariable Control Systems for Aerospace Applications
• Air-Vehicle Modelling and Simulation
• Launch and Re-Entry Aerodynamics
• CFD for Aerospace
• Experimental Aerodynamics
• Aerospace Navigation and Sensors
• Transonic Aerodynamic Design
• Fundamentals of Aircraft System Identification
• Introduction to CFD
• Modelling of Dynamic Systems
• Individual research project (50% of the program): This project allows students to focus on a specific area of interest within the field of aerodynamics or flight dynamics.
Students work closely with a supervisor to develop and carry out their research project.
• Group flight test project: This project is a compulsory element of the program, and it offers students the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge they have learned in the taught modules to a real-world flight test scenario.
• Student experience flight: This optional flight provides students with a valuable opportunity to experience the principles of flight in practice.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Examinations: Some of the taught modules are assessed through written examinations.
• Coursework: Students are required to submit a range of coursework assignments, such as essays, reports, and presentations.
• Individual research project: The individual research project is assessed through a written dissertation and an oral presentation.
• Group flight test project: The group flight test project is assessed through a written report and a presentation.

Teaching:

The teaching team is committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience.

Careers:

Graduates of the Aerospace Dynamics MSc are well-placed to pursue careers in a variety of industries, including:

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Defense
• Energy
• Marine
• Rail
• Space

Some of the specific job titles that graduates of the Aerospace Dynamics MSc may pursue include:

• Aerodynamicist
• Aerospace engineer
• Air vehicle design engineer
• Aircraft performance engineer
• Computational fluid dynamics engineer
• Flight control engineer
• Flight test engineer
• Research engineer
• Scientist

Other: