Advanced Aerospace Systems Design

Module overview

The SESA2030 Advanced Aerospace Systems Design module integrates practical and theoretical learning through lectures, labs, and hands-on prototyping exercises. It challenges students to collaboratively address mechatronic engineering design problems. This approach enables students to apply theoretical engineering knowledge in practical contexts while further enhancing their interpersonal and communication skills. The first part of this module covers optimisation theory and its applications to engineering projects. The second part is a team-based, detailed mechatronic engineering design project. Students are given the opportunity to select their preferred projects. These projects are designed to promote the application of Part 1 and Part 2 engineering and computing competencies within a single, practical engineering design project. Students must deliver both theoretical and practical prototyping solutions in engineering design, control and demonstrating some optimisation. Student teams will defend their design process and final prototype during a detailed design viva. They will also demonstrate the functionality of their prototype in an appropriate indoor or outdoor environment.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Partial CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

All projects require the building and testing of physical prototypes.
You will analyse complex problems by effectively interpreting and responding to design briefs.
You will engage in collaborative design and problem-solving, working in teams to address engineering challenges and further develop your interpersonal and communication skills. You will effectively communicate complex design development and prototyping challenges, as well as team dynamics, through oral, visual, and practical demonstrations, both individually and as part of a team.
You will design and manufacture a fully functional mechatronic prototype, demonstrating its performance, build quality, and control, thereby showcasing your ability to apply an integrated approach to the solution of complex problems.
Throughout the projects you will investigate societal and user needs as appropriate. You will need to design a practical solution that addresses a range of technical, environmental, and human-centred challenges.
You will build CAD models and use computational methods to design and analyse complex problem solutions in the design of your prototypes.
You will select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes to build test rigs and working prototypes, recognising their limitations.
You will apply both theoretical and practical mechatronic engineering principles to design a practical solution that addresses the design brief. You will apply optimisation theory to relevant aerospace applications.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

This module will be delivered through a combination of the following: 1. Lectures for the delivery of new material and concepts. 2. Practical sessions where students will tackle a set of computing tasks. 3. Workshop sessions for students to work in teams and develop design proposals. Demonstrators/academic staff will be available to answer questions and provide feedback during practical and workshop sessions. The teaching pattern is summarised below: OPTIMISATION: Lectures on optimisation for aerospace applications. These will be supplemented by computer-based practical classes and exercises. DESIGN PROJECT: Weekly workshop sessions enable students to pursue a design project in teams within the design studios/workshops, including testing (potentially subject to weather conditions) at a suitable location. Academic teaching teams provide weekly timetabled support in design studios/workshops.

Study time
Type	Hours
Follow-up work	30
Lecture	12
Preparation for scheduled sessions	20
Completion of assessment task	40
Practical classes and workshops	48
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Software - Available on managed university computers. • SolidWorks (Student version also available to download for use on personal computers). • MATLAB • Arduino

Textbooks

Margolis, M., Jepson, B. and Weldin, N. R. (2020). Arduino cookbook : recipes to begin, expand, and enhance your projects. Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly Media.

Edited by A. van Boeijen, J. Daalhuizen, and J. Zijlstra (2020). Delft design guide : perspectives, models, approaches, methods. Amsterdam: BIS.

Assessment

Assessment strategy

The assessment for the individual component of the module will be in the form of computer lab assessment and online quizzes. For the design project, it is group work. Project marks are awarded to the team based on a demonstrator assessment and a final viva. Individual student marks may vary within a group if the assessors deem that contributions from students within the group have been unequal. Students are required to provide weekly formative evidence of individual engagement.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Interim Design Review

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback:
Final Assessment: No
Group Work: Yes

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Viva	40%
Demonstration	40%
Exercises and Quizzes	20%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Design Review	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal