Module Descriptors
FUNDAMENTALS OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
TRAN40003
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 4
20 credits
Contact
Leader: Siva Marimuthu
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 6
Independent Study Hours: 194
Total Learning Hours: 200
Assessment
  • Online Exam - 2 hours weighted at 100%
Module Details
MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Demonstrate an understanding of aerodynamic forces and aircraft construction types (AHEP4: F1)
2. Estimate the performance and stability of an aircraft (AHEP4: F1, F2)
3. Differentiate between flight systems and instruments (AHEP4: F2)
MODULE ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
A two-hour online exam weighted at 100% assessing all the module (1,2,3) and AHEP4 learning outcomes (F1, F2).
MODULE INDICATIVE CONTENT
This module covers the fundamental concepts in aeronautical engineering such as aerodynamics, aircraft structures, aircraft propulsion, aircraft performance, aircraft stability and control, aircraft systems and aircraft instruments.

1. History of flight, classification of flight vehicles, components of an aircraft and their functions
2. International standard atmosphere, pressure, temperature and density variations, forces acting on an aircraft, Reynolds number, Mach number
3. Streamlined and bluff bodies, aerofoils, wings, lift and drag generation, lift and drag curves
4. Types of aircraft construction, monocoque, semi-monocoque, wing and fuselage structures, materials used on aircraft
5. Aircraft power plants, Brayton cycle, turboprop, turbojet, turbofan, ramjet, scramjet, thrust equation
6. Climb, cruise, glide, turn, take-off and landing performance, range and endurance
7. Pitch, roll, yaw, static and dynamic stability, centre of pressure, aerodynamic centre, neutral point, static margin
8. Aeroelasticity and aeroacoustics
9. Types of airspeed (IAS, TAS, EAS, CAS), cockpit instruments, communication and navigation systems
10. Hydraulic and pneumatic systems, oxygen system, fuel system, environment control system
11. Flight control systems - primary and secondary control surfaces – power assisted and power operated, engine control systems
12. Fly-by-wire system, autopilot system
WEB DESCRIPTOR
This module covers the fundamental concepts in aeronautical engineering such as aerodynamics, aircraft structures, aircraft propulsion, aircraft performance, aircraft stability and control, aircraft systems and aircraft instruments.
MODULE LEARNING STRATEGIES
Learning materials will be available on the blackboard module page. Links to videos on the materials will help you to understand the concepts much better. Practice the tutorial questions. For distance learning students, more support will be provided via Teams (chat discussions/online-meetings).
MODULE TEXTS
Barnard, RH., Philpott, DR. (2010). Aircraft Flight : a description of the physical principles of aircraft flight, PrenticeHall.
Binnis, Chris (2020). Aircraft Systems: Instruments, Communications, Navigation and Control, Somerset:Wiley
Robson, D (2006). Aerodynamics, Engines and Systems for The Professional Pilot. London: Crowood Press
Stephen.A. Brandt (2015). Introduction to Aeronautics: A design perspective, 3rd edition, AIAA Education Series.
MODULE RESOURCES
Blackboard VLE
Library facilities