Course Catalogue

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This group project is based on the conceptual design of an aircraft to meet a particular specification. The course will focus on the design of a given aircraft configuration. Students will be given a list of performance specifications required to be satisfied. Subsequently, the group will aim to design an aircraft to satisfy these performance specifications. Lectures which support the design activity will also be provided. As well as the technical aspects, the course develops transferable skills in project planning and execution.

1 hour a week lecture
3 hours a week labs

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35% group contribution to final report (to be submitted at final presentation)

25% individual contribution to final report (to be submitted at final presentation)

20% group final presentation (including response to questions)

10% group interim report

10% individual record book (to be submitted at final presentation)

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The aims of this course are to:

■ give the students experience in aircraft design using available simulation tools;

■ facilitate a deeper understanding of the importance of aircraft performance and design;

■ enable the students to identify areas where further work is required to assess the viability of proposed aircraft designs.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ conduct a literature review of aircraft performance and design relevant to the task undertaken;

■ implement the necessary phases in the design process to execute the conceptual stage of an aircraft to satisfy the performance specifications and taking into consideration business and customer needs as appropriate; 

■ use appropriate numerical and analytical design tools and software;

■ access and select appropriate engineering technologies in the context of the design of an aircraft whilst recognising their limitations;

■ undertake an assessment to identify areas where further work is required to assess the viability of proposed aircraft design including identification, evaluation and mitigation of risks associated to the design approach and project management;

■ communicate design outcomes by written report and oral presentation;

■ work as an effective member of a small team;

■ plan the activities of the group to achieve specified objectives with the resources available, and by given deadlines.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.