Assoc. Prof. Peter Gustafson
| Office: | G-215 Floyd Hall |
| Phone: | 276-3423 |
| Email: | peter.gustafson@wmich.edu |
| Web Page: | http://homepages.wmich.edu/~pjm8969 |
| Lecture: | TR 4:00 – 5:20, D-208 Floyd Hall |
| Office Hours: | M 11 – 12, W 3 – 4, or by appointment (See web page for potential slots) |
Conceptual and preliminary design of aircraft emphasizing performance, stability and control, and total vehicle efficiency.
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.
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.
The two sizing case studies will require the engineer to apply a systematic approach to estimate the size and weight of aircraft concepts based on their mission and design features. An algorithm for sizing will be implemented. The algorithm will subsequently be applied to existing aircraft for validation and also three proposed new aircraft to address an assigned mission.
For the larger preliminary design project, the class will be divided into teams. Each team will be assigned one concept from the pool of ideas and will complete the concept development and its preliminary design in two phases. Mutual discussions, sharing of work load, and assigning areas of individual responsibility between the team members are essential to a successful design.
There will be two due dates for the team project. The first is for the completion of the conceptual design. The second due date is for the final preliminary design. On both due dates, written reports will be submitted in electronic form and the proposed designs will be orally presented to the class. Active participation of every team member is required. In the oral presentation, the audience will learn, discuss, and evaluate the various proposals. For quality communication, the written reports and oral presentations should be clearly outlined, rich in graphics, and concise in language.
| Percentage | Grade |
|---|---|
| >= 90 | A |
| >= 85 | BA |
| >= 80 | B |
| >= 75 | CB |
| >= 70 | C |
| >= 65 | DC |
| >= 60 | D |
| <60 | E |
The course grading scheme is visible in e-learning in the gradebook section.
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.
This is a design course:
There are four primary assignments in this class:
2 Rough Sizing Case Studies
1 Conceptual Design Report and presentation
1 Preliminary Design Report and presentation
The Case Studies are individual or a team of two
The preliminary design, design reports, and presentations are to be completed in groups
This course is a design exercise
Recommendations
This class should be fun!!! Welcome to Aircraft Design