AE4690 - Aircraft Design

Instructor and Course Coordinator

Assoc. Prof. Peter Gustafson

Office:	G-215 Floyd Hall
Phone:	276-3423
Email:	peter.gustafson@wmich.edu
Web Page:	http://homepages.wmich.edu/~pjm8969

Schedule

Item	Time	Location
Lecture:	TR 4–5:20	D–208 Floyd Hall
Office Hours	M 11–12, W 3–4 or by appointment (see web page for potential slots)	G–215 Floyd Hall

Text

Required: Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach, Raymer, D.P., Sixth Edition, AIAA, 2018.
Other Reference: Jane’s All the world’s aircraft

Catalog Data

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

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.

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.

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

Prerequisites

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

Grading System

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.

Assignments are strictly due at the time specified on e-learning. Late work will be penalized 10% per day or portion of a day. (Examples: 5 minutes late penalized 10%, 24 hours +5 minutes late penalized 20%.)
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.