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MECENGC162

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MECENG C162 - Introduction to Flight Mechanics

Mechanical EngineeringUndergraduateCOE - College of Engineering
Overview

Subject

MECENG

Course Number

C162

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Course Level

Undergraduate

Course Title

Introduction to Flight Mechanics

Course Description

This course introduces flight mechanics and a wide range of analysis and design techniques of relevance to the flight and performance characteristics of aerospace vehicles. The course consists of 6 major modules with the following topics: introduction, flow types, lift and drag, aircraft performance, stability and control, and, prominently, space flight. The entire course is enriched with numerous practical examples from real life that help to understand the practical use of the subject matter.

Minimum

3

Maximum

3

Grading Basis

Default Letter Grade; P/NP Option

Method of Assessment

Written Exam

Instructors

Lombaerts, Papadopoulos

Prerequisites

MATH 52; PHYSICS 7A; and MEC ENG 106 (may be taken concurrently)

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Credit Restriction Courses. Students will receive no credit for this course if following the course(s) have already been completed.

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Credit Replacement Courses. Upon passing, students can use the following course(s) to replace a deficient grade for this course.

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Course Objectives

This course intends to introduce undergraduate engineering majors with an interest in aerospace engineering to analysis and design techniques of relevance to the flight and performance characteristics of aerospace vehicles in a self-contained manner and in anticipation of the engineering science coursework in the upper division. Simultaneously, the course intends to make tangible connections between the theory and relevant practical examples in aerospace engineering by means of the discussion of research facilities at NASA Ames (wind-tunnels and simulators), X-planes, relevant airliner accidents, launch and re-entry telemetry data, etc.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: • Calculate lift and drag of a 2D airfoil and a 3D wing in subsonic and supersonic speed regimes • Calculate thrust and power required for level flight • Compute the range and endurance of propeller-driven as well as jet-powered aircraft • Compute the necessary runway length for takeoff and landing • Analyze aircraft trim conditions • Assess longitudinal balance and static stability of an aircraft • Find orbit parameters from the orbital geometry • Design a Hohmann orbit transfer and compute the total DV • Calculate peak deceleration and speed at touchdown in a re-entry path for ballistic as well as gliding flight. • Describe and discuss various design methodologies and their trade-offs.

Cross-Listed Course(s)

Formats

Lecture

Term

Fall and Spring

Duration (in weeks)

15

Minimum Hours

3

Maximum Hours

3

Lecture Mode of Instruction

In Person

Minimum Hours

6

Maximum Hours

6