Aircraft Design option - MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design

Program Overview

Cranfield University's Aircraft Design MSc program integrates structural and systems elements into comprehensive aircraft design. Students gain practical knowledge through group design projects, flight simulation, and individual research mentored by industry experts. The program prepares graduates for careers in structural design, stress analysis, and systems design, with notable employers including BAE Systems and Airbus.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This Aircraft Design option within Cranfield University's Aerospace Vehicle Design Master of Science program focuses on integrating various structural and systems elements into a comprehensive aircraft design using cutting-edge techniques.

Objectives

• Provide a holistic overview of aircraft configuration design, structure, and systems.
• Enable students to understand how to select and integrate complex systems like fuel systems and analyze their impact on the entire aircraft.
• Develop practical knowledge of aircraft systems design and analysis.
• Provide real-world experience through flight simulation and participation in the Flying Laboratory program.

Program Duration

Full-time MSc: One year (Starting September or March)

Delivery

• 10% taught modules
• 50% group design project
• 40% individual research project

Program Features

• Collaborative group design project recreating a virtual industrial environment.
• Extensive flight experience opportunities in the National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC).
• Individual research project mentored by experienced teaching staff, industry partners, or focused on student's own interest.
• Access to library and support facilities for a balanced study-life experience.

Outline:

Modules

• Nine Mandatory Modules:
• Design and Analysis of Composite Structures
• Design of Airframe Systems
• Aircraft Performance
• Aircraft Stability and Control
• Design for Manufacture and Operation
• Flight Experience
• Initial Aircraft Design
• Loading Actions
• Reliability, Safety Assessment and Certification
• Eleven Elective Modules:
• Aeroelasticity
• Aerospace System Development and Life Cycle Model
• Aircraft Aerodynamics
• Aircraft Power Plant Installation
• Computer Aided Design
• Detail Stressing
• Fatigue, Fracture Mechanics and Damage Tolerance
• Finite Element Analysis
• Integrated Vehicle Health Management
• Landing Gear Design
• Structural Stability

Teaching Methods:

• Structured lectures
• Industry guest lectures
• Computer based workshops
• Private study

Assessments

• Group design project assessed by two external examiners from industry
• Individual research project assessed by two external examiners from academia

Assessment:

Assessments

• Group Design Project: Assessed by external examiners from industry, focusing on problem solving, project coordination, engineering drawing, analysis, report writing, and presentations.
• Individual Research Project: Assessed by external examiners from academia, focusing on research skills, project design, data analysis, report writing, and defense presentation.

Careers:

Potential Careers

• Structural design
• Stress analysis
• Systems design

Notable Employers

• BAE Systems
• Airbus
• Dassault
• Rolls Royce

Additional Career Information

• Graduates are eligible to join Cranfield College of Aeronautics Alumni Association (CCAAA), which offers networking and social events.

Other:

The program offers a unique learning experience with a strong focus on integrated aircraft design, encompassing structural elements, systems engineering, and real-world application through project work, flight experience, and industry collaboration.

Additional Highlights

• Cranfield University's postgraduate aerospace program dates back to 1946.
• Cranfield's College of Aeronautics has a long and distinguished history, being one of the original foundation courses of the college.

Summary:

The Aircraft Design option in Cranfield University's Aerospace Vehicle Design MSc program provides a unique and comprehensive learning experience for aspiring aircraft design professionals, offering a combination of theoretical knowledge, industry exposure, practical application, and career preparation opportunities.