Module overview
This Level 7 module assesses the digital tools and technologies used for inspection, monitoring and maintenance of aerospace systems and structures, while introducing the underlying principles of health management in aerospace engineering.
The module will cover the use of advanced technologies to monitor the condition of aircraft and spacecraft components to enhance safety, optimize maintenance, and maximize operational efficiency. The focus is on various aerospace domains such as aircraft structures, propulsion systems, auxiliary systems, and autonomous systems.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Full CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- M14 (quality management & continuous improvement) → LO6 [assessed via continuous assessment]
- M2 (problem analysis with incomplete data) → LO1, LO2, LO3 [assessed via continuous assessment and final exam]
- M17 (communication to technical & non-technical audiences) → LO6 [assessed via continuous assessment]
- M6 (systems approach/integrated systems perspective) → LO3, LO4 [assessed via continuous assessment and final exam]
- M12 (practical laboratory skills) → LO4, LO5 [assessed via continuous assessment]
- M8 (ethical responsibility) → LO5 [delivered/developed but not assessed]
- M3 (computational/analytical model selection) → LO1, LO2 [assessed via continuous assessment and final exam]
- M1 (advanced science & engineering principles) → LO1, LO2 [assessed via continuous assessment and final exam]
- M9 (risk evaluation & mitigation) → LO4, LO5 [assessed via continuous assessment]
Syllabus
Aerospace Systems & Digitalization
a) Overview of Aerospace Systems
b) Data Centricity of Aerospace Systems
c) Aerospace Operation and Digital Transformation
d) Sustainability in Aerospace and Aviation
e) Case Studies on Digital Transformation
Sensing & Instrumentation
a) Sensors in Aerospace Engineering
b) Fly-by-wire vs Mechanical
c) Sensors and Transducers
d) Signal Conditioning and Signal Processing
e) Analog and digital filters
f) Measurement chain
g) Case Studies on sensors and sensing – data collection
NDT & E and Monitoring
a) Introduction to NDT & E
b) Visual Inspections
c) Liquid Penetrants
d) Ultrasonics
e) Radiography
f) Infrared Thermography
g) Case Studies on NDT data analysis and interpretation
h) Structural Health Monitoring
i) Data Acquisition & Data Management
j) Case Studies on NDT signal processing
Automated Inspection & Diagnostics
a) Automated – Autonomous Systems (ground and/or aerial based) used in inspections
b) Self Localization & Obstacle Avoidance in Complex Environments - Hangar of the Future
c) Aerial contact and non-contact based inspection
d) The importance of digitalization in inspections and ML Approaches for Damage Assessment
e) Defect localisation and image processing
f) Smart hangar localisation and sensing for robotics-assisted inspection
g) Case Studies on automated inspection and decision making
Digital Twins & Reasoning
a) Overview of Digital Twins
b) Digital Design Patterns and Types of Digital Twins
c) Digital Twin Fidelity
d) Digital Twins in Aerospace Engineering
e) Case Studies on Digital Twins
f) AI and Reasoning
g) Health Management of Aerospace Systems
Prognostics & Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of Aerospace Systems
a) Probability of Failure & Weibull Statistics
b) Prediction of RUL Utilising Physics-Based Models
c) Prediction of RUL Utilising Data-Driven Models
d) Prediction of RUL Utilising Knowledge-Based Models
e) Hybrid Prognostic Methodology of Aerospace Systems
f) Case Studies on Prognostic Health Management
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
•Lectures with worked examples
•Tutorials and problem-solving workshops
•Laboratory sessions on relevant topics to support and enhance the theoretical understanding
Learning activities include:
•Solving example problems, attending labs, participating in tutorials
•Completion of coursework, and practical write-ups
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes and workshops | 6 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
| Independent Study | 36 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Revision | 48 |
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
K. Yallup, L. Barisico (2019). Sensors for Diagnostics and Monitoring. CRC Press.
D. Goodman, J. P. Hofmeister, F. Szidarovszky (2019). Prognostics and Health Management: A Practical Approach to Improving System Reliability Using Condition–Based Data. Wiley.
I K Jennions (2013). Integrated Vehicle Health Management: The Technology. SAE International.
(2024). The Engineering of Digital Twins. Springer International Publishing.
(2024). Structural Health Monitoring and Non-Destructive Testing for Large-Scale Structures. MDPI.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Case study report | 50% |
| Final Exam | 50% |