Listed below are detailed descriptions of the undergraduate courses. These listings include the prerequisites, current textbooks, course topics, and faculty coordinator. Students should check in the AE Department Office to find out which courses are available for each semester. If students have any questions concerning a particular course they should talk to their advisor or the course coordinator.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions
Graduate Course Descriptions
Engineering Management Course Descriptions
100-299 Courses designed for freshman and sophomores.
300-499 Courses designed for juniors and seniors.
500-699 Courses designed primarily for juniors and seniors, but can also be taken by graduate students who have fewer than 30 hours of graduate credit.
700-799 Courses designed primarily for graduate students who have fewer than 30 hours of graduate credit, but can also be taken by undergraduates.
800-900 Courses designed primarily for graduate students who have fewer than 30 hours of graduate credit.
_0_ Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials
_1_ Advanced Mathematics
_2_ Design
_3_ Instrumentation and Testing
_4_ Fluid Mechanics and Aerodynamics
_5_ Dynamics and Control
_6_ Astronautics
_7_ Propulsion
_8_
_9_ Projects & Thesis
AE 211 Basic MATLAB, Simulink and Stateflow (3)
Programming in MATLAB and modeling in Simulink and Stateflow for aerospace and other engineering applications. Course is offered within a computer laboratory environment. Contents include: Plotting and Graphics, Toolboxes, Cells, Structures, and M-Files, Handle Graphics and User Interfaces, MEX-files, LTI Viewer and SISO Design Tool, S-Functions, and Solvers. Coordinator: Dr. Richard Colgren Prerequisite: MATH 121. LAB
AE 241 Private Flight Course (1)
One hour of academic credit is given upon the awarding of the private pilot’s license by the Federal Aviation Administration. Required documentation includes a letter from the FAA designated examiner giving the check ride and a copy of the private license. The Department of Aerospace Engineering provides no ground or flight instruction.
Prerequisite: Aerospace Engineering students only, with consent of instructor. IND
Coordinator: Dr. Mark Ewing
Topics: None
AE 242 Private Flight Aeronautics (3)
Three hours of academic credit is given for the successful completion of the FAA private pilot’s written examination. Required documentation is a copy of the written score. Available only to Aerospace Engineering transfer students as a course substitute for AE 245. Note: The Department of Aerospace Engineering does not provide any ground school classes. IND
Coordinator: Dr. Mark Ewing
Topics: None
AE 245 Introduction to Aerospace Engineering (3)
Basic systems of an aerospace vehicle meteorology, vehicle performance, navigation and saftey.Specific examples emphasize general aviation. Open enrollment. LEC
Corequisite: MATH 121.
Coordinator: Dr. David R. Downing
Topics: 1) Aerospace History, 2) Engineering & Mathematical Concepts, 3) Operational Environments, 4) Gasdynamics, 5) Propulsion Systems, 6) Materials & Structures, 7) Stability & control, 8) Navigation & Guidance, 9) Flight Path and Performance Determination, 10) Flight Safety, and 11) Vehicle Design.
AE 250 Mathematics of Enginineering Systems (2.5) Development of models for mechanical, electrical, and structural systems using linear differential equations. Solution of these systems of equations utilizing classical methods, Laplace transforms and matrix techniques. (Same as CE 250, C&PE 250, EPHX 250, and ME 250).LEC Prerequisite: MATH 122 and concurrent enrollment in MATH 250. Coordinator: Staff Topics: 1) First order linear equations, numerical methods:Modified Euler an Runge Kutta fourth order, 2) Models of electric circuits and mechanical systems, 3)Laplace transform function, 4)Gauss elimination, vector spaces, linear independence, linear transformations, 5) Characteristic palynomial, undetermined coefficients, reduction of order, variation of parameters, existence and uniqueness, 6)Matrices, sytems of equations, 7) Tests
AE 290 Aerospace Colloquium (0.2)
This is a required course for all aerospace engineering majors each fall semester. Topics of importance and new developments are discussed by aerospace industry representatives and representatives of FAA, DOT, DOD, NASA, related sciences and engineering disciplines. A forum for student activities at all levels. Technical films. Open Enrollment.
Coordinator: Dr. Ray Taghavi
Topics: Various aspects of aerospace engineering. LEC
AE 291 Aerospace Colloquium (0.3)
A spring term continuation of AE 290. Open enrollment. LEC
AE 292 Aerospace Industrial Internship (1)
Engineering internship in an approved company. Internship hours do not satisfy any course requirements for the bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering but will appear on the official transcript. Credit assigned after review of report on internship experiences
Prerequisite: Completion of freshman year. FLD
Coordinator: Dr. Mark Ewing
Topics: Introduction to engineering procedures
AE 345 Fluid Mechanics (3)
Study of fundamental aspects of fluid motions and basic principles of gas dynamics with application to the design and analysis of aircraft. Open enrollment.
Corequisites: CE 301
Coordinator: Dr. Ray Taghavi
Goals: This course is designed to provide sophomores in aerospace engineering basic principles in fluid mechanics with a view toward the application in aerodynamics.
Topics: 1) Fluid properties, 2) Fluid Statics, 3) Fluid Dynamics, 4) Fluid Kinetics, 5) Control volume analysis, 6) Differential analysis, 7) Dimensional analysis, 8) Viscous effects, 9) Flow over immersed bodies.
AE 360 Introduction to Astronautics (3)
The history of astronautics, including rocketry and space flight. Fundamentals of astronautics, including space environment, astrodynamics and the analysis and design of spacecraft systems. Design, construction and launch of a prototype earth-satellite using a high-altitude balloon.
Prerequisite: MATH 220. LEC
Coordinator: Dr. David Downing
Topics: 1) Rocketry and Spacecraft History, 2) The Environment of Space, 3) Astrodynamics (the 2-body orbital problem), 4) Spacecraft Propulsion, 5) Spacecraft Attitude Determination and Control, 6) Spacecraft Electrical Power, 7) Spacecraft Thermal Control, 8) Spacecraft Configuration, Structures, and Mechanisms, 9) Spacecraft Communications, 10) Spacecraft Command, Telemetry & Data Handling, 11) Design, construction and flight of a prototype space vehicle
Estimated Content: Math & Basic Science .25 credits or 8%, Engineering Topics 2.25 credits or 75%, Engineering Design .5 credits or 17%
AE 390 Aerospace Industrial Internship (1)
Engineering internship is an approved company. Summer session. Internship hours do not satisfy any course requirements for the bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering but will appear on the official transcript. Credit assigned after review of report on internship experience.
Prerequisite: Completion of sophomore year. FLD
Coordinator: Dr. Mark Ewing
Topics: Assisting in design or system study
AE 421 Aerospace Computer Graphics (4)
Development of skills in depicting aerospace vehicles and their components for the purpose of illustration, design, and analysis using traditional and modern (Computer Aided Design) drafting tools. LEC
Coordinator: Dr. Rick Hale
Topics: Various aspects of engineering graphics.
AE 430 Aerospace Instrumentation Laboratory (3)
Review and hands-on laboratory experiments with basic electronic elements (resistors, capacitors, conductors, transistors, linear circuits, logic devices and integrated circuits). Overview and hands-on laboratory experiments using various experimental techniques available to the aerospace engineer (pressure probes, thermocouples, strain gauges, hot-wire anemometer, Laser Doppler velocimeter & flow visualization techniques).
Prerequisite: AE 445 and EECS 316 & 318.
Coordinator: Dr. Ray Taghavi
Topics: 1) Introduction and overview 2) AC and DC circuits 3) Resistors 4) Capacitors 5) Conductors 6) Transistors 7) Logic devices 8) Integrated circuits 9) Pressure probes 10) Temperature probes 11) Strain gauges 12) Hot wire anemomtry 13) Laser Doppler velocimetry 14) Flow visualization techniques (smoke, dye, helium bubbles, schlieren, shadowgraph) 15) Special projects 16) Tests
AE 441 Advanced Flight Training (1-3)
Academic credit is given for the successful completion of advanced flight training beyond the private pilot rating. One hour is given for each of the following: commercial, instrument rating, certified flight instructor. The Aerospace Engineering Department provides no ground or flight instruction. Open Enrollment. IND
Prerequisite: AE 241.
Coordinator: Dr. Mark Ewing
Topics: None
AE 445 Aircraft Aerodynamics and Performance (3)
Study of airfoil and wing aerodynamics, component drag, static and special performance, and maneuvers of aircraft. Open enrollment.
Prerequisite: AE 345 and CE 301. LEC
Coordinator: Staff
Topics: 1) Atmospheric properties, 2) Basic aerodynamic principles and applications, 3) Airfoil theory, 4) Wing theory, 5) Airplane drag, 6) Airplane propulsion systems, 7) Propeller theory, 8) Fundamentals of flight mechanics, 9) Climb performance and speed, 10) Take-off and landing performance, 11) Range and endurance, 12) Maneuvers and flight envelope, 13) Laboratory.
AE 490 Aerospace Industrial Internship (1)
Engineering internships in an approved company. Summer semester. Internship hours do not satisfy any course requirements for the bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering but will appear on the official transcript. Credit assigned after review of of report on internship experience.
Prerequisite: Completion of junior year. FLD
Coordinator: Dr. Mark Ewing
Topics: Design and analysis problems
AE 491 Aerospace Industrial Internship (1)
This is a required course for all aaerospace engineering majors who are in the Co-op program. Engineering internships in an approved company. Fall semester. Internship hours do not satisfy any course requirements for the bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering but will appear on the official transcript. Credit assigned after review of of report on internship experience.
Prerequisite: Completion of junior year. FLD
Coordinator: Dr. Mark Ewing
Topics: Design and analysis problems
AE 492 Aerospace Industrial Internship (1)
This is a required course for all aaerospace engineering majors who are in the Co-op program. Engineering internships in an approved company. Spring semester. Internship hours do not satisfy any course requirements for the bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering but will appear on the official transcript. Credit assigned after review of of report on internship experience.
Prerequisite: Completion of junior year. FLD
Coordinator: Dr. Mark Ewing
Topics: Design and analysis problems
AE 507 Aerospace Structures I (3)
Introduction to the analysis and design of aerospace structures from the standpoint of preliminary design. Deflection and stress analysis of structural components, including thin walled beams and built up (semimonocoque) structures. Meterial failure of highly stressed components, including connections. Buckling of thin walled beams and semimonocoque structures. Durability and damage tolerance strategies for aerospace structures to avoid corrosion, fatigue, and fracture.
Prerequisites: CE 310. LEC
Coordinator: Dr. Mark Ewing
Topics: 1) Production of Aerospace Structures, 2) Aerospace Loads, 3) Strength of Aerospace Materials, 4) Design of Connections, 5) Design of Beams (especially tubes) in Extension, Bending and Torsion, 6) Stress and Deflection Analysis of Thin-Walled Beams, 7) Stress and Deflection Analysis of Semimonocoque Structures, 8) Buckling of beams (especially tubes), panels, and stiffened panels, 9) Design of wing and fuselage structures.
AE 508 Aerospace Structures II (3)
Stress and deflection analysis of aerospace structures using the finite element method. Introduction to work energy principals, including, Castigliano's theorems, for the analysis of statically indeterminate structures. Rod, beam, shaft, membrane, and plate finite elements.
Prerequisite: AE 507. LEC
Coordinator: Dr. Rick Hale
Topics: 1) Matrix algebra 2) Computer calculations 3) Castigliano’s theorems, 4) Displacement method, 5) Springs, rods, beams, membranes, 6) Large scale structure
AE 509 Honors Aerospace Structures II (3) Indeterminate structures, principle of virtual work, Castigliano's theorems, displacement method of finite element analysis; rod, beam, shaft, and membrane elements; analysis of aerospace structures with the finite element method. LEC Prerequisite: AE 507 Coordinator: Dr. Rick Hale Topics: 1) Matrix algebra 2) Computer calculations 3) Castigliano’s theorems, 4) Displacement method, 5) Springs, rods, beams, membranes, 6) Large scale structure
AE 510 Materials and Processes (4)
Properties and applications of aercraft meterials, forming methods, and manufacturing processes. LEC Prerequisite: AE 507 and CHEM 184
Coordinator: Dr. Rick Hale
Topics: 1) Material behavior and selection criteria for metal alloys, ceramics, polymers, composites, 2) Material selection exercises, 3) Manufacturing processes, to include forming, material removal, joining, surface treatment, measurement, testing and inspection, automation, computer-aided manufacture, safety, and economics, 4) Design of manufacturing processes.
AE 521 Aerospace Systems Design I (4)
Preliminary design techniques for an aerospace system. Aerodynamic design, drag prediction, stability and control criteria, civil and military specifications. Weight and balance, Configuration integration, design and safety, design and ethics. LEC
Prerequisite: AE 421, AE 508, AE 551, AE 572.
Coordinator: Dr. Ron Barrett
Topics: 1) Configuration sizing to a given specification, 2) Configuration layout design, 3) Initial tail and control surface selection, 4) Weight and balance calculation, 5) Drag prediction, 6) Design for stability and control, 7) Inboard profile development, 8) Landing gear layout design, 9) Structural layout design, 10) Performance calculation, 11) V-N diagrams loads estimation
AE 522 Aerospace Systems Design II (4)
Preliminary design project of a complete aerospace system. LEC
Prerequisite: AE 521.
Coordinator: Dr. Ron Barrett
Topics: 1) Organization of technical work, 2) Organization of technical groups, 3) Management theory and practice, 4) PERT theory and application, 5) How to motivate engineers, 6) Engineering liability
AE 523 Spacecraft Systems Design I (4)
Preliminary design project of a complete spacecraft system. LEC
Prerequisite: AE 521 and AE 560
Coordinator: Staff
Topics: 1) Mission design, 2) Spacecraft environment, 3) Astrodynamics, 4) Spacecraft propulsion, 5) Launch systems, 6) Atmospheric flight, 7) On-board power systems, 8) Thermal Control, 9) Attitude control, 10) Communication systems, 11) Command systems, 12) Structures, 13) Configuration design, 14) Cost estimation
AE 524 Propulsion Systems Design I (4)
Preliminary design project of a complete propulsion system, including the airframe. LEC
Prerequisite: AE 521.
Coordinator: Dr. Saeed Farokhi
Topics: Aerodynamic and structural design of aircraft engine components including inlets, compressors and fans, combustion chamber, turbines, afterburners, mixers, and exhaust systems. This course often includes aircraft design and engine matching studies.
AE 545 Fundamentals of Aerodynamics (5)
Basic gas dynamic equations, potential flow for airfoils and bodies, airfoil transformations, thin airfoil theory, finite wing, subsonic similarity rules, one and two dimensional supersonic flow, boundary layers and viscous flow, heat transfer and laboratory experiments.
Prerequisite: AE 445, ME 312, and MATH 220.
Coordinator: Dr. Saeed Farokhi
Topics: 1) Basic gasdynamic equations. 2) Potential flow for airfoils and bodies, 3) Thin airfoil theory, 4) Finite wing, 5) Introduction to compressible fluids, 6) One dimensional compressible flow, 7) Waves, 8) Wings in compressible glow, 9) Laminar flow, 10) Transition, 11) Turbulent flow, 12) Laboratory
AE 546 Honors Aerodynamics (5) Basic gas dynamic equations, potential flow for airfoils and bodies, airfoil transformations, thin airfoil theory, finite wing, subsonic similarity rules, one and two dimensional supersonic flow, boundary layers and viscous flow, heat transfer and laboratory experiments. A special project in aerodynamics for AE 546 students.
Prerequisite: AE 445, ME 312, and MATH 220.
Coordinator: Dr. Saeed Farokhi
Topics: 1) Basic gasdynamic equations. 2) Potential flow for airfoils and bodies, 3) Thin airfoil theory, 4) Finite wing, 5) Introduction to compressible fluids, 6) One dimensional compressible flow, 7) Waves, 8) Wings in compressible glow, 9) Laminar flow, 10) Transition, 11) Turbulent flow, 12) Laboratory
AE 550 Dynamics of Flight I (3) General equations of motion of rigid airplanes and reduction to steady state flight situations. Steady state forces and moments. Stability derivatives. Static stability, control and trim. Trim envelope. Relationships with handling quality requirements. Engine-out flight. Effects of the control system. Implications to airplane design. LEC Prerequisite: AE 445, MATH 220, and MATH 290.
Coordinator: Dr. Richard Colgren
Topics: 1) Equations of motion of a rigid airplane and specialization to steady state flight, 2) Development of mathematical and physical models for the aerodynamic and thrust forces and moments; stability derivatives, 3) Static stability and control and airplane trim; trim envelope and design implications, 54) Engine-out flight, 5) Effects of the flight control system, 6) Handling qualities, 7) General four dimensional trim formulation, 8) Nosewheel lift-off
AE 551 Dynamics of Flight II (4)
General equations of motion of rigid airplanes and reduction to perturbed state flight situations. Perturbed state forces and moments. Stability derivatives. Dynamic stability, phugoid, short period, dutch roll, roll, spiral and other important modes. Transfer functions and their application. Relationships with handling quality requirements. Fundamentals of classical control theory and applications to automatic flight controls. Implications to airplane design. LEC
Prerequisite: AE 550 and a course in differential equations (MATH 220, MATH 250 or MATH 320).
Coordinator: Dr. David Downing
Topics: 1) General equations of motion of a rigid airplane and specification to perturbed state flight, 2) Development of mathematical and physical model for the aerodynamic and thrust perturbed forces and moments dimension less and dimensional stability derivatives, 3) Dynamic stability of airplanes: Phugoid, short period, spiral, roll, dutch roll. Degenerate modes. Design specifications, 4) Transfer functions and applications, 5) Handling qualities and relation to design, 6) Frequency response of linear systems, bode plots and example applications, 7) Classical closed loop control theory, bode method, root locus method and example applications, 8) Basic stability augmentation systems: angle-of attack and angle or sideslip feedback, yaw dampers, pitch dampers, 9) Basic autopilot modes: pitch angle hold, bank angle hold, heading hold
AE 552 Honors Dynamics of Flight II (4)
General equations of motion of rigid airplanes and reduction to perturbed state flight situations. Perturbed state forces and moments. Stability derivatives. Dynamic stability, phugoid, short period, dutch roll, roll, spiral and other important modes. Transfer functions and their application. Relationships with handling quality requirements. Fundamentals of classical control theory and applications to automatic flight controls. Implications to airplane design. LEC
Prerequisite: AE 550 and a course in differential equations (MATH 220, MATH 250 or MATH 320).
Coordinator: Dr. David Downing
Topics: 1) General equations of motion of a rigid airplane and specification to perturbed state flight, 2) Development of mathematical and physical model for the aerodynamic and thrust perturbed forces and moments dimension less and dimensional stability derivatives, 3) Dynamic stability of airplanes: Phugoid, short period, spiral, roll, dutch roll. Degenerate modes. Design specifications, 4) Transfer functions and applications, 5) Handling qualities and relation to design, 6) Frequency response of linear systems, bode plots and example applications, 7) Classical closed loop control theory, bode method, root locus method and example applications, 8) Basic stability augmentation systems: angle-of attack and angle or sideslip feedback, yaw dampers, pitch dampers, 9) Basic autopilot modes: pitch angle hold, bank angle hold, heading hold.
AE 560 Spacecraft Systems (3) Fundamentals of spacecraft systems and subsystems. Spacecraft systems engineering, space environment; basic astrodynamics; and the following spacecraft subsystems:attitude determination and control, electrical power, thermal propulsion, structures and mechanisms, command, telemetry and data handling. LEC Prerequisite: AE 507, EECS 316 & 318, MATH 124, and ME 312. Coordinator: Staff Topics: 1)Spaceflight history, 2)Spacecraft systems engineering, 3)Space environment, 4)Basic astrodynamics, 5)Spacecraft propulsion, 6)Spacedraft attitude determination and control, 7)Spacecraft subsytems, 8)Spacecraft reliablilty and quality assurance.
AE 571 Fundamentals of Aircraft Reciprocating Propulsion Systems (3) Study of the basic principles of operation and systems of internal and external combustion engines with emphasis on airplane reciprocatiing engines. Cycle analysis, propellor theory, propellor selection and peformanceanalysis.LEC Prerequisite: AE 445 and ME 312 Coordinator: Dr. Ray Taghavi Topics: 1)introduction and overview, 2)Review of thermodynamics principles,3)Air standard cycles, 4)Fuel-air cycles, 5)Actual engine cycles, 6)Airplane engine components, 7)Propellors (theory, operation, types and selection), 8)Carburetion, 9)Aviation fuels and engine knocks, 10)Ignition systems, 11)Lubrication systems, 12)Induction systems, supercharging and exhaust systems, 13)Laboratory.
AE 572 Fundamentals of Jet Propulsion (3) Lecture and Laboratory, study of basic of propulsion systems with emphasis on jets and fan systems. Study of inlets compressors, burners, fuels, turbines, jets, methods of analysis, testing, performance and environmental considerations. LEC Prerequisite: AE 545 and AE 571 Coordinator: Dr. Saeed Farokhi Topics: 1)Introduction to jet propulsion and combustion chemistry, 2)Propulsion fundamentals, 3)One dimensional steady compressible flow: isentropic, adiabatic, heat addition, frictional, 4)Thermodynamics of air-breathing jet propulsion systems: ramjet,turbojet, turbofan, turboprop and turboshaft, 5)Inlets and nozzles, 6)Combustion and flame temperature, 7)Axial compressors, 8)Centrifugal compressore, 9)Turbines, 10)Matching of turbine/compressor, 11)Turbomechanisms
AE 573 Honors Propulsion (3) Lecture and Laboratory, study of basic of propulsion systems with emphasis on jets and fan systems. Study of inlets compressors, burners, fuels, turbines, jets, methods of analysis, testing, performance and environmental considerations. LEC Prerequisite: AE 545 and AE 571 Coordinator: Dr. Saeed Farokhi Topics: 1)Introduction to jet propulsion and combustion chemistry, 2)Propulsion fundamentals, 3)One dimensional steady compressible flow: isentropic, adiabatic, heat addition, frictional, 4)Thermodynamics of air-breathing jet propulsion systems: ramjet,turbojet, turbofan, turboprop and turboshaft, 5)Inlets and nozzles, 6)Combustion and flame temperature, 7)Axial compressors, 8)Centrifugal compressore, 9)Turbines, 10)Matching of turbine/compressor, 11)Turbomechanisms
AE 590 Aerospace Seminar (1) Presentation and discussion of technical and professional paper reports. Methods for improving ordal communication. Discussion of topics such as ethics, registration, interviewing, professional societies, personal planning. Prerequisite: Senior Standing. LEC Coordinator: Dr. Mark Ewing Topics: 1)Career planning, 2)Human behavior, 3)Decision analysis, 4)Management, planning and decision making, 5)Technical communication, 6)Project management, 7)Engineering economics, 8)Personal financial planning and engineering ethics
AE 592 Special Projects in Aerospace Engineering (1-5) Directed design and research projects in aerospace engineering. IND Prerequisite:Consent of an instructor Coordinator: Staff
AE 593 Honors Research (1-5) Directed design and research projects in aerospace engineering. IND Prerequisite:Consent of an instructor Coordinator: Staff
AE 670 Aerospace Propulsion III (3) Advanced theory of turbojet, fanjet(multi-spool), variable cycle engines, ramjet and bypass air-breathing propulsion systems. Theory of design of inlets, compressors, burners and turbines. Component matching, cooling, regenerative systems, test methods and corrections. LEC Prerequisite: AE 572 Coordinator: Dr. Saeed Farokhi
