Syllabus for AE4690

Instructor and Course Coordinator

Assoc. Prof. Peter Gustafson

Schedule

Virtual office hours will be held on Google Meet

Catalog Description

Conceptual and preliminary design of aircraft emphasizing performance, stability and control, and total vehicle efficiency.

Prerequisites

• AE 3800 –Flight Vehicle Performance
• AE 4600 –Aircraft Stability and Control

Textbook/Suggested Resources

• Required: Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach, Raymer, D.P., Sixth Edition, AIAA, 2018.

Reference materials:

• Other Reference: Jane’s All the world’s aircraft

Topics

• The iterative design process.
• Conceptual design
  • Sketch; size estimates
  • Key aircraft parameters: L/D, T/W, P/W, etc
  • Fuselage plan
  • Wing selection and geometry; tail
  • Engines/Propulsion
  • Control surfaces
  • Sizing

• Preliminary design
  • Layout; lofting
  • Loads; propulsion
  • Inboard arrangement
  • Systems
• Case studies

Objectives

The primary objective of this course is to involve the student in conceptual and preliminary designs of aeronautical vehicles. It requires the synthesis of various disciplines like aerodynamics, controls, propulsion, structures, and manufacturing to develop a smooth and cost-effective design that satisfies mission and payload requirements. The use of computer-aided-engineering, to improve productivity and enhance design vision and communication, will be emphasized. The course will stimulate creativity, enhance communication skills, and reward for applying optimization to the engineering design process.

Description

This is a project oriented course. There will be two conceptual case-studies and a larger preliminary design project. The lecture topics will guide along the development of the projects as they progress.

For all the assignments, the mission requirements and design constraints will be described by the course instructor. The instructor will play the role of the customer. The solutions should be developed by the students. As in the work-place, it is the responsibility of the engineer (student) to consult with the customer, seek and acquire expert advice, and study the necessary knowledge to complete these projects.

Grading System

The course grading scheme is visible in e-learning in the gradebook section.

• Assignments are strictly due at the time specified on e-learning. Late work will be penalized 5% per day or portion of a day. (Examples: 5 minutes late penalized 5%, 24 hours +5 minutes late penalized 10%.) If solutions are published, then no more submissions will be accepted for that assignment despite any proximity to the due date.
• Absences: Attendance is mandatory. This is a team oriented course; your team relies on your active participation. Absence will be reflected in your participation grade.
• Illness: Attendance is important, however, the health and well-being of our community is more important. Do not come to class if you are ill or suspect illness. Contact the instructor to inform him of your circumstances and to coordinate assistance.

Regrades

• Re-grades: requests must be submitted in writing within 1 week of the return of any item. The instructor reserves the right to re-grade the entire item.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity: You are responsible for making yourself aware of and understanding the policies and procedures in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs that pertain to Academic Honesty. These policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity and computer misuse. [The policies can be found at http://catalog.wmich.edu under Academic Policies, Student Rights and Responsibilities.]

If there is reason to believe you have been involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. You will be given the opportunity to review the charge(s). If you believe you are not responsible, you will have the opportunity for a hearing. You should consult with your instructor if you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an assignment or test.

Attendance, illness, and absences

• Attendance is important, however, the health and well-being of our community is more important.
• Do not attend a face-to-face class if you are ill or suspect illness.
  • Contact the instructor to inform him of your circumstances and to coordinate assistance.

• Classroom Etiquette: – Laptop and cell phone use during lecture causes distraction in your fellow students and in the instructor. Please disable these and all similar devices.
• Online Learning Etiquette – Use appropriate discretion when participating in all online learning activities. Limit multitasking, enable your video if technological limitations do not prevent it. It is generally appropriate to disable your microphone when not actively speaking.