In this module, you will attempt to solve modern design challenges faced in the aviation industry. By implementing the aerodynamics, aircraft propulsion, aircraft performance, aircraft stability and control-related concepts, students will design a new aircraft model and evaluate its improved performance when compared to the existing aircraft models in the field. Additionally, this group project will enhance the students’ teamwork, leadership and communication skills.



The following topics are included:
Design questions, peer review and legal constraints,

Comparative study involves different aircraft, plots and mean value calculations for design parameters

Literature review – related to merits and demerits of the different aircraft taken for comparison

Conceptual sketch

Selection – aerofoil, engine, landing gear, flight deck, control surfaces, mission profile, materials and other relevant details

Weight estimation – total take-off weight, empty weight, fuel weight, payload weight, flight crew weight, iteration

Aerodynamic forces estimation – lift force, drag force and lift-to-drag force ratio

Performance and stability estimations – range, endurance, thrust-to-weight ratio, wing loading, take-off runway distance, landing runway distance, centre of gravity location

Costs and emission estimations

Performance improvement discussion – integrated sub-systems interaction

Preliminary aircraft design

Group report writing and presentation

A 4000 words group design report weighted at 70% assessing learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C13, C15, C16.

A 20-minute group presentation weighted at 30% assessing learning outcome 5. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcome: C17.



Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 40% is required to pass a module, with each element of assessment requiring a minimum mark of 30% unless otherwise stated.

This module will enable students to gain understanding, apply knowledge analyse and evaluate problems and create solutions. Students will be guided through a seminar. Student centred learning to include laboratory work and research.

1. Demonstrate the application of a conceptual design process to the modern aviation industry. (AHEP 4: C1, C2, C3, C4, C16)

Knowledge & Understanding

Application

2. Determine the specifications for a new aircraft design to meet the current challenge in the industry. (AHEP 4: C3, C4, C5, C13, C16)

Problem Solving

Application

3. Develop an aircraft model with improved performance and considering the legal requirements. (AHEP4: C5, C6, C15, C16)

Problem Solving

Application

4. Estimate the operational characteristics, cost, and environmental implications of the flight design. (AHEP 4: C5, C6, C7, C16)

Analysis

5. Present the proposed preliminary design of the flight vehicle. (AHEP 4: C17)

Communication

Team Work

Brandt, S., (2015); Introduction to Aeronautics: A Design Perspective (3rd Edition), AIAA

Fielding, John P., (2017); Introduction to Aircraft Design (2nd Edition), Cambridge University Press

Jenkinson, Lloyd R., and Marchman J., (2003); Aircraft Design Projects for Engineering Students, Butterworth-Heinemann
Raymer, Daniel P. (2018); Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach (6th Edition), AIAA
Sadraey, M. H., (2013); Aircraft Design: A Systems Engineering Approach, Wiley
Torenbeek, E., (2013); Advanced Aircraft Design: Conceptual Design, Analysis, and Optimization of Subsonic Civil Airplanes, Wiley
Torenbeek, E., (2020); Essentials of Supersonic Commercial Aircraft Conceptual Design, Wiley

Autodesk Inventor Software

Solidworks Software

In this module, you will attempt to solve modern design challenges faced in the aviation industry. By implementing the aerodynamics, aircraft propulsion, aircraft performance, aircraft stability and control-related concepts, students will design a new aircraft model and evaluate its improved performance when compared to the existing aircraft models in the field. Additionally, this group project will enhance the students’ teamwork, leadership and communication skills.