Current Trends in Aerospace

Module code: EG7411

This module is based on a series of lectures delivered by Rolls Royce design engineers, from the aerospace engine division. You will get a first-hand insight of the aircraft engine design process, from concept, through detailed design, manufacturing, and life-long support. Specific lectures on manufacturing, control, aerodynamics, heat management, fan blade testing, and component life monitoring cover the state of art and give future perspectives in these areas. You will conduct further independent learning on these topics by directed reading from a reading list and from complementary information sources. In addition, you will typically be able to perform a subset of the following tests in relation to your specific degree:

• Discuss how thermal management is achieved in an aircraft engine and the thermal protection solutions available.
• Perform a parametric aerodynamic design of turbomachinery components, highlighting their effects on whole-engine performance.
• Evaluate control system alternatives for the effective control of aerospace systems, including cost, robustness and certification.
• Discuss the resilience of mechanical components to both ordinary in-service wear as well as to statistically rare events.
• Evaluate options for manufacturing aerospace components and the influence volume and value-added have on their selection.
• Use the jet engine thermodynamic cycle as the ideal cycle model for a gas turbine engine to predict the engine performance.