4/4/2019 Aerospace engineering - Wikipedia

Aerospace engineering
Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned
Aerospace Engineer
with the development of aircraft and spacecraft.[3] It has two major and
overlapping branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical
engineering. Avionics engineering is similar, but deals with the electronics
side of aerospace engineering.

Aeronautical engineering was the original term for the field. As flight
technology advanced to include craft operating in outer space
(astronautics), the broader term "aerospace engineering" has come into
common use.[4] Aerospace engineering, particularly the astronautics NASA engineers, seen here in
branch is often colloquially referred to as "rocket science".[5] mission control during Apollo 13,
worked diligently to protect the lives
of the astronauts on the mission.

Contents Occupation
Names Aerospace
Overview
engineer
History
Engineer
Elements
Occupation Profession
Degree programs type
In popular culture Activity Aeronautics,
See also sectors astronautics,
References science
Further reading Description
External links
Competencies Technical
knowledge,
management skills
Overview (see also glossary
Flight vehicles are subjected to demanding conditions such as those caused of aerospace
by changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature, with structural loads engineering)
applied upon vehicle components. Consequently, they are usually the Education Bachelor's
products of various technological and engineering disciplines including required Degree[1][2]
aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, materials science, structural analysis
Fields of Technology,
and manufacturing. The interaction between these technologies is known employment science, space
as aerospace engineering. Because of the complexity and number of
exploration,
disciplines involved, aerospace engineering is carried out by teams of
military
engineers, each having their own specialized area of expertise.[6]

History
The origin of aerospace engineering can be traced back to the aviation pioneers around the late 19th to early 20th
centuries, although the work of Sir George Cayley dates from the last decade of the 18th to mid-19th century. One of
the most important people in the history of aeronautics,[7] Cayley was a pioneer in aeronautical engineering[8] and is
credited as the first person to separate the forces of lift and drag, which are in effect on any flight vehicle.[9]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerospace_engineering 1/5
4/4/2019 Aerospace engineering - Wikipedia

Early knowledge of aeronautical engineering was largely empirical with

some concepts and skills imported from other branches of engineering.[10]
Scientists understood some key elements of aerospace engineering, like
fluid dynamics, in the 18th century. Many years later after the successful
flights by the Wright brothers, the 1910s saw the development of
aeronautical engineering through the design of World War I military
aircraft.

Orville and Wilbur Wright flew the Between World Wars I and II, great leaps were made in Aeronautical
Wright Flyer in 1903 at Kitty Hawk, Engineering. The invention of Turboprop engines and the advent of
North Carolina.
mainstream civil aviation greatly accelerated this process. Notable
airplanes of this era include the Curtiss JN 4, the Farman F.60 Goliath, and
Fokker trimotor. Notable military airplanes of this period include the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, the Supermarine Spitfire
and the Messerschmitt Bf 109 from Japan, Great Britain, and Germany respectively. A significant development in
Aerospace engineering came with the first Jet engine-powered airplane, the Messerschmitt Me 262 which entered
service in 1944 towards the end of the second World War.

The first definition of aerospace engineering appeared in February 1958.[4] The definition considered the Earth's
atmosphere and the outer space as a single realm, thereby encompassing both aircraft (aero) and spacecraft (space)
under a newly coined word aerospace. In response to the USSR launching the first satellite, Sputnik into space on
October 4, 1957, U.S. aerospace engineers launched the first American satellite on January 31, 1958. The National
Aeronautics and Space Administration was founded in 1958 as a response to the Cold War. In 1969, Apollo 11, the first
manned space mission to the moon took place. It saw three astronauts enter orbit around the Moon, with two, Neil
Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, visiting the lunar surface. The third astronaut, Michael Collins, stayed in orbit to
rendezvous with Armstrong and Aldrin after their visit to the lunar surface. [11]

Elements
Some of the elements of aerospace engineering are:[12][13]

Radar cross-section – the study of vehicle signature apparent to

Radar remote sensing.
Fluid mechanics – the study of fluid flow around objects. Specifically
aerodynamics concerning the flow of air over bodies such as wings or
through objects such as wind tunnels (see also lift and aeronautics).
Astrodynamics – the study of orbital mechanics including prediction of
orbital elements when given a select few variables. While few schools
in the United States teach this at the undergraduate level, several
have graduate programs covering this topic (usually in conjunction
with the Physics department of said college or university).
Statics and Dynamics (engineering mechanics) – the study of
movement, forces, moments in mechanical systems.
Mathematics – in particular, calculus, differential equations, and linear
algebra.
Electrotechnology – the study of electronics within engineering.
Propulsion – the energy to move a vehicle through the air (or in outer Wernher von Braun, with the F-1
space) is provided by internal combustion engines, jet engines and
engines of the Saturn V first stage at
turbomachinery, or rockets (see also propeller and spacecraft
propulsion). A more recent addition to this module is electric the US Space and Rocket Center
propulsion and ion propulsion.
Control engineering – the study of mathematical modeling of the
dynamic behavior of systems and designing them, usually using feedback signals, so that their dynamic behavior
is desirable (stable, without large excursions, with minimum error). This applies to the dynamic behavior of
aircraft, spacecraft, propulsion systems, and subsystems that exist on aerospace vehicles.
Aircraft structures – design of the physical configuration of the craft to withstand the forces encountered during
flight. Aerospace engineering aims to keep structures lightweight and low-cost while maintaining structural
integrity.[14]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerospace_engineering 2/5
4/4/2019 Aerospace engineering - Wikipedia

Materials science – related to structures, aerospace engineering also

studies the materials of which the aerospace structures are to be built.
New materials with very specific properties are invented, or existing
ones are modified to improve their performance.
Solid mechanics – Closely related to material science is solid
mechanics which deals with stress and strain analysis of the
components of the vehicle. Nowadays there are several Finite
Element programs such as MSC Patran/Nastran which aid engineers
in the analytical process.
Aeroelasticity – the interaction of aerodynamic forces and structural
flexibility, potentially causing flutter, divergence, etc.
Avionics – the design and programming of computer systems on board Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft
an aircraft or spacecraft and the simulation of systems. engineered for descent by
Software – the specification, design, development, test, and parachute
implementation of computer software for aerospace applications,
including flight software, ground control software, test & evaluation
software, etc.
Risk and reliability – the study of risk and reliability assessment
techniques and the mathematics involved in the quantitative methods.
Noise control – the study of the mechanics of sound transfer.
Aeroacoustics – the study of noise generation via either turbulent fluid
motion or aerodynamic forces interacting with surfaces.
Flight test – designing and executing flight test programs in order to
gather and analyze performance and handling qualities data in order
to determine if an aircraft meets its design and performance goals and
certification requirements.
A fighter jet engine undergoing
The basis of most of these elements lies in theoretical physics, such as fluid testing. The tunnel behind the
dynamics for aerodynamics or the equations of motion for flight dynamics. engine allows noise and exhaust to
There is also a large empirical component. Historically, this empirical escape.
component was derived from testing of scale models and prototypes, either
in wind tunnels or in the free atmosphere. More recently, advances in
computing have enabled the use of computational fluid dynamics to simulate the behavior of the fluid, reducing time
and expense spent on wind-tunnel testing. Those studying hydrodynamics or Hydroacoustics often obtained degrees
in Aerospace Engineering.

Additionally, aerospace engineering addresses the integration of all components that constitute an aerospace vehicle
(subsystems including power, aerospace bearings, communications, thermal control, life support, etc.) and its life
cycle (design, temperature, pressure, radiation, velocity, lifetime).

Degree programs
Aerospace engineering may be studied at the advanced diploma, bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. levels in aerospace
engineering departments at many universities, and in mechanical engineering departments at others. A few
departments offer degrees in space-focused astronautical engineering. Some institutions differentiate between
aeronautical and astronautical engineering. Graduate degrees are offered in advanced or specialty areas for the
aerospace industry.

A background in chemistry, physics, computer science and mathematics is important for students pursuing an
aerospace engineering degree.[15]

In popular culture
The term "rocket scientist" is sometimes used to describe a person of great intelligence since rocket science is seen as a
practice requiring great mental ability, especially technically and mathematically. The term is used ironically in the
expression "It's not rocket science" to indicate that a task is simple.[16] Strictly speaking, the use of "science" in "rocket

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerospace_engineering 3/5
4/4/2019 Aerospace engineering - Wikipedia

science" is a misnomer since science is about understanding the origins, nature, and behavior of the universe;
engineering is about using scientific and engineering principles to solve problems and develop new technology.[5][17]
However, "science" and "engineering" are often misused as synonyms.[5][17][18]

See also
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
American Helicopter Society International
Flight test
Glossary of aerospace engineering
Index of aerospace engineering articles
List of aerospace engineering schools
List of aerospace engineers
List of Russian aerospace engineers
Sigma Gamma Tau (aerospace engineering honor society)
Space Power Facility

References
1. "Required Education" (http://study.com/articles/Aeronautical_Engineer_Educational_Requirements.html).
study.com. Retrieved 2015-06-22.
2. "Education, Aerospace Engineers" (http://www.myfuture.com/careers/education/aerospace-engineers_17-2011.0
0). myfuture.com. Retrieved 2015-06-22.
3. Encyclopedia of Aerospace Engineering. John Wiley & Sons, 2010. ISBN 978-0-470-75440-5.
4. Stanzione, Kaydon Al (1989). "Engineering". Encyclopædia Britannica. 18 (15 ed.). Chicago. pp. 563–563.
5. NASA (2008). Steven J. Dick, ed. Remembering the Space Age: Proceedings of the 50th Anniversary Conference
(https://history.nasa.gov/Remembering_Space_Age_A.pdf) (PDF). p. 92. "The term “rocket scientist” is a
misnomer used by the media and in popular culture and applied to a majority of engineers and technicians who
worked on the development of rockets with von Braun. It reflects a cultural evaluation of the immense
accomplishments of the team but is nevertheless incorrect. ..."
6. "Career: Aerospace Engineer" (https://web.archive.org/web/20060509023617/http://www.princetonreview.com/ct
e/profiles/dayInLife.asp?careerID=5). Career Profiles. The Princeton Review. Archived from the original (http://ww
w.princetonreview.com/cte/profiles/dayInLife.asp?careerID=5) on 2006-05-09. Retrieved 2006-10-08. "Due to the
complexity of the final product, an intricate and rigid organizational structure for production has to be maintained,
severely curtailing any single engineer's ability to understand his role as it relates to the final project."
7. "Sir George Cayley" (http://www.flyingmachines.org/cayl.html). ?. Retrieved 2009-07-26. "Sir George Cayley is
one of the most important people in the history of aeronautics. Many consider him the first true scientific aerial
investigator and the first person to understand the underlying principles and forces of flight."
8. "Sir George Cayley (British Inventor and Scientist)" (http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/100795/Sir-Geor
ge-Cayley-6th-Baronet). Britannica. n.d. Retrieved 2009-07-26. "English pioneer of aerial navigation and
aeronautical engineering and designer of the first successful glider to carry a human being aloft."
9. "Sir George Cayley" (http://www.centennialofflight.net/essay/Dictionary/Cayley/DI15.htm). U.S. Centennial of
Flight Commission. Retrieved 31 January 2016. "A wealthy landowner, Cayley is considered the father of aerial
navigation and a pioneer in the science of aerodynamics. He established the scientific principles for heavier-than-
air flight and used glider models for his research. He was the first to identify the four forces of flight--thrust, lift,
drag, and weight—and to describe the relationship each had with the other."
10. Kermit Van Every (1988). "Aeronautical engineering". Encyclopedia Americana. 1. Grolier Incorporated.
11. "A Brief History of NASA" (http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/factsheet.htm). NASA. Retrieved
2012-03-20.
12. "Science: Engineering: Aerospace" (http://open-site.org/Science/Engineering/Aerospace/). Open Site. Retrieved
2006-10-08.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerospace_engineering 4/5
4/4/2019 Aerospace engineering - Wikipedia

13. Gruntman, Mike (September 19, 2007). "The Time for Academic Departments in Astronautical Engineering" (http
s://web.archive.org/web/20071018045825/http://aiaa.org/agenda.cfm?lumeetingid=1808&viewcon=agenda&page
view=2&programSeeview=1&dateget=19-Sep-07&formatview=1). AIAA SPACE 2007 Conference & Exposition
Agenda. AIAA SPACE 2007 Conference & Exposition (http://www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=230&lumeetingid
=1808&viewcon=submit). AIAA. Archived from the original (http://www.aiaa.org/agenda.cfm?lumeetingid=1808&vi
ewcon=agenda&pageview=2&programSeeview=1&dateget=19-Sep-07&formatview=1) on October 18, 2007.
14. "Aircraft Structures in Aerospace Engineering" (https://web.archive.org/web/20151109124154/http://aerospaceeng
ineering.aero/aircraft-structures-in-aerospace-engineering/). Aerospace Engineering, Aviation News, Salary, Jobs
and Museums. Archived from the original (http://aerospaceengineering.aero/aircraft-structures-in-aerospace-engi
neering/) on 2015-11-09. Retrieved 2015-11-06.
15. "Entry education, Aerospace Engineers" (http://www.myfuture.com/careers/education/aerospace-engineers_17-20
11.00). myfuture.com. Retrieved 2015-06-22.
16. Bailey, Charlotte (7 November 2008). "Oxford compiles list of top ten irritating phrases" (https://www.telegraph.co.
uk/news/newstopics/debates/3394545/Oxford-compiles-list-of-top-ten-irritating-phrases.html). The Daily
Telegraph. Retrieved 2008-11-18. "10 - It's not rocket science"
17. Petroski, Henry (23 November 2010). "Engineering Is Not Science" (http://spectrum.ieee.org/at-work/tech-career
s/engineering-is-not-science). IEEE Spectrum. Retrieved 21 June 2015. "Science is about understanding the
origins, nature, and behavior of the universe and all it contains; engineering is about solving problems by
rearranging the stuff of the world to make new things."
18. Neufeld, Michael. Von Braun: Dreamer of Space, Engineer of War (First ed.). Vintage Books. pp. xv. "There has
been a deep-rooted failure in the English-speaking media and popular culture to grapple with the distinction
between science and engineering."

Further reading
Dharmahinder Singh Chand. Aero-Engineering Thermodynamics. Knowledge Curve, 2017. ISBN 978-93-84389-
16-1.

External links
NDTAeroTech.com, The Online Community for Aerospace NDT Professionals (https://web.archive.org/web/20090
601084901/http://ndtaerotech.com/)
Kroo, Ilan. "Aircraft Design: Synthesis and Analysis" (https://web.archive.org/web/20010223232617/http://adg.sta
nford.edu/aa241/AircraftDesign.html). Stanford University. Archived from the original (http://adg.stanford.edu/aa24
1/AircraftDesign.html) on 23 February 2001. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
Air Service Training Aviation Maintenance UK (http://www.airservicetraining.co.uk/)

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aerospace_engineering&oldid=890777961"

This page was last edited on 3 April 2019, at 13:51 (UTC).

Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using
this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia
Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerospace_engineering 5/5