Overview
- Start dateOctober
- DurationMSc: Full-time - one year; Part-time - up to three years; PgCert: Full-time - up to one year; Part-time - two years
- DeliveryTaught modules 40%, group project 20% (dissertation for part-time students), individual project 40%
- QualificationMSc, PgCert
- Study typeFull-time / Part-time
- CampusCranfield campus
Who is it for?
Suitable if you have an interest in aerodynamic design, flow control, flow measurement, flight dynamics and flight control. Choose your specialist option from the following once you commence your studies:
- Flight Dynamics option: if you want to develop a career in flight physics and aircraft stability and control, more specifically in the fields of flight control system design, flight simulation and flight testing;
- Aerodynamics option: if you want to develop a career in flight physics and specifically in the fields of flow simulation, flow measurement and flow control.
Why this course?
The aerospace industry in the UK is the largest in the world, outside of the USA. Aerodynamics and flight dynamics will remain a key element in the development of future aircraft and in reducing civil transport environmental issues, making significant contributions to the next generation of aircraft configurations.
In the military arena, aerodynamic modelling and flight dynamics play an important role in the design and development of combat aircraft and unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). The continuing search for aerodynamic refinement and performance optimisation for the next generation of aircraft and surface vehicles creates the need for specialist knowledge of fluid flow behaviour.
Cranfield University has been at the forefront of postgraduate education in aerospace engineering since 1946. The MSc in Aerospace Dynamics stems from the programme in Aerodynamics which was one of the first master's courses offered by Cranfield and is an important part of our heritage. The integration of aerodynamics with flight dynamics reflects the long-term link with the aircraft flight test activity established by Cranfield.
Graduates of this course are eligible to join the Cranfield College of Aeronautics Alumni Association (CCAAA), an active community which holds a number of networking and social events throughout the year.
Informed by industry
The Industrial Advisory Panel, comprising senior industry professionals, provides input into the curriculum in order to improve the employment prospects of our graduates. Panel members include:
- Adrian Gaylord, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR),
- Trevor Birch, Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl),
- Chris Fielding, BAE Systems,
- Anastassios Kokkalis, Voith,
- Stephen Rolson, European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS),
- Clyde Warsop, BAE Systems.
Course details
This course consists of optional taught modules, an individual research project and a group flight test project.
The group flight test project consists of two compulsory modules that offer an initial introduction to aerospace dynamics and provide grounding for the group flight test. Choice is a key feature of this course, with specialist options in either aerodynamics or flight dynamics. Choose your option once you have commenced your studies.
Course delivery
Taught modules 40%, group project 20% (dissertation for part-time students), individual project 40%
Group project
All students undertake the Flight Experimental Methods module during October and November. This involves up to seven separate flight tests in the the National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC) Jetstream which are undertaken, analysed, and discussed in a group flight test report. You will present the results and analysis of one test during an individual viva. This is an important element of the course as you will experience the application of specialist skills within a realistic test environment plane, enabling you to produce a collaborative report.
Individual project
The individual research project allows you to delve deeper into an area of specific interest. It is very common for industrial partners to put forward real world problems or areas of development as potential research project topics. The project is carried out under the guidance of an academic staff member who acts as your supervisor. The individual research project component takes place between April and August.
If agreed with the Course Director, part-time students have the opportunity to undertake projects in collaboration with their place of work, which would be supported by academic supervision.
Previous individual research projects have covered:
Aerodynamics option
- Spiked body instabilities at supersonic speeds;
- Aerodynamic loads on a race car wing in a vortex wake;
- Lateral/directional stability of a tailless aircraft;
- Aerodynamic drag penalties due to runback ice;
- Automotive flow control using fluidic sheets;
- Aerodynamic design and optimisation of a blended wing body aircraft.
Flight Dynamics option
- Flight dynamic modelling of large amplitude rotorcraft dynamics;
- Decision making for autonomous flight in icing conditions;
- Comparative assessment of trajectory planning methods for UAVs;
- Machine vision and scientific imaging for autonomous rotorcraft;
- Linear parameter varying control of a quadrotor vehicle;
- Gust load alleviation system for large flexible civil transport.
Modules
Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.
Course modules
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.
Flight Experimental Methods (Group Flight Test Report)
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the performance, stability and control characteristics of a conventional aircraft. |
Syllabus |
• Basic aircraft aerodynamics: lift and drag. • Cruise and climb performance. • Static equilibrium and trim. • Longitudinal static stability, trim, pitching moment equation, static margins and manoeuvre margins. • Lateral-directional trim and static stability. • Introduction to dynamic stability and modal analysis |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: 1. Describe the concepts of equilibrium, trim, static, manoeuvre and dynamic stability; 2. Evaluate the cruise and climb performance and the aerodynamic and stability characteristics of a conventional aircraft; 3. Apply the principles of flight test analysis and assessment; 4. Compile and present a technical report in written and verbal form; 5. Work effectively in a group environment. |
Individual Research Project
Aim |
The award of a Masters degree resulting from a taught programme of study requires the student to submit a thesis based on a structured programme of research. This structured programme is typically delivered through collaboration with an industrial sponsor; although it may it may be driven by research interests of the School’s academics. The thesis should satisfactorily set out the results of the structured programme and demonstrate the candidate’s ability to conduct original investigations, to test ideas (whether the candidate’s own or those of others) and to obtain appropriate conclusions from the work. In most cases, the results of the research programme should be set in the context of related work previously published by others. The student is required to communicate their findings in a thesis and through a viva voce, oral presentation and a poster. |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: 1. Identify a research question. 2. Develop project objectives. 3. Select and justify methodologies appropriate to the task. 4. Plan and execute a work programme with reference to professional project management processes (e.g. time management; risk management; contingency planning; resource allocation; health and safety). 5. Evaluate and critically analyse literature; analyse data, synthesise a discussion, generate conclusions. 6. Place the findings of the work into the context of the work of others. 7. Communicate findings in the form of a thesis, formal presentation and viva. |
Elective modules
A selection of modules from the following list need to be taken as part of this course
Compressible Flows
Aim |
To provide a knowledge of the physics of compressible flows. |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On completion of this module the student will be able to:
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Control Systems
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide knowledge of the fundamentals of control engineering for the analysis and design of control systems in aerospace applications. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Experimental Aerodynamics
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This module aims to give students the skills and understanding to asses commonly encountered wind tunnel test requirements and to design appropriate experiments through knowledge of wind tunnel design, measurement techniques and data analysis. |
Syllabus |
• Wind tunnel design and layout – subsonic, transonic, supersonic circuit design and test section layouts. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Flight Dynamics Principles
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide a knowledge of the dynamics, stability and control of aircraft and their interpretation in the context of flying qualities. |
Syllabus |
The Equations of Motion Flight Dynamics |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this study the student should be able to:
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Flying Qualities and Flight Control
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The aims of this module are: to describe the essential features of typical command and stability augmentation systems; to introduce contemporary handling qualities criteria and to show how they constrain flight control system design; to demonstrate handling qualities design procedures. |
Syllabus |
• Flight control system architecture; Multiple redundant systems; Aircraft models; Aircraft state equations; Relaxed longitudinal static stability; Control system properties; Control law design. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Launch and Re-Entry Aerodynamics
Module Leader |
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Aim |
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Syllabus |
The course will cover: • The fundamentals of flight at high Mach number within the earth atmosphere The design and flow characteristics of hypersonic vehicles. • Boundary layers, heat transfer and thermal protection, real gas effects Equations of motion for planetary re-entry. • Ballistic entry and high angles of descent Lifting entry. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: 1. Apply hypersonic aerodynamics theory to the analysis of characteristic flow features during high Mach number flight. 2. Identify principal aerodynamic design issues for the launch and descent / re-entry phases of a space mission. 3. Calculate thermal and dynamic loads experienced by a vehicle during launch and re- entry. |
Multivariable Control for Aerospace Applications
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide a knowledge of modern control techniques for the analysis and design of multivariable aerospace control systems. |
Syllabus |
Multivariable System Analysis Multivariable Control System Design |
Intended learning outcomes |
On completion of this module the student will be able to:
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Technology for Sustainable Aviation
Aim |
The aim of this module is to provide knowledge of the current technology issues in relation to reducing the impact of aviation of the environment. |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Viscous Flow
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide a detailed understanding of basic equations and mathematical modelling techniques used in fluid flows and a knowledge of boundary layer flows including the methods used for their modelling and prediction. |
Syllabus |
Basic Concepts: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Air-Vehicle Modelling and Simulation
Module Leader |
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Aim |
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Syllabus |
• Model building; model testing, validation and management; trimming and numerical linearisation (10 hours). |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Fundamentals of Rotorcraft Performance, Stability and Control
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide an elementary insight into rotorcraft performance estimation and provide knowledge of the stability and control characteristics of helicopters. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On completion of this module the student will be able to:
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Aerospace Navigation and Sensors
Module Leader |
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Aim |
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Syllabus |
• Introduction (1 hour) Overview of navigation principles, typical applications; axis systems and projections (1 hour) • Inertial Navigation Systems (3 hours) Principles of inertial navigation; accelerometers, gyroscopes, specific technologies such as Ring Laser Gyros; Axis transformations and mechanisation of IN equations; Errors in inertial navigation, Schuler loop tuning, INS modelling & aiding • GNSS (6 hours) Development history: GNSS, GPS, GLONASS, EGNOS, Galileo; GPS system architecture (ground, space, user segments); Code (CDMA) and carrier techniques; signal processing (correlation), integer ambiguities; Error sources (natural, other); Augmentation: differential GPS (local, wide area), other sensors (e.g. INS); Applications / issues: user groups (aviation, space), integrity (RAIM), accuracy, reliability Sensors and Data Fusion • Error Characteristics of Aircraft Sensors, INS, GPS, VOR, DME (2 lectures) • Random Signals And Random Processes (1 lecture) • Measurement In Noise (1 lecture) • Error Analysis (2 lectures) • Discrete Kalman Filter (2 lectures) • Case Study: Barometric Aiding For INS (1 lecture) • Case Study: GPS models (1 lecture) |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: GNSS and INS: 1. Explain and discuss the roles of inertial and satellite navigation in aerospace. 2. Explain and discuss inertial navigation principles, error sources, and aerospace applications. 3. Explain and discuss satellite navigation principles, error sources, applications and key issues. Sensors and Data Fusion: 4. Explain the principles of data acquisition systems and design a basic system. 5. Design and implement a simple Kalman filter to process measurements and estimate position, velocity, etc. 6. Appreciate the design methods using to integrate aerospace navigation systems. |
Modelling of Dynamic Systems
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide an understanding of the mathematical techniques that underpin both classical and modern control law design. |
Syllabus |
• Transfer-function approach to modelling dynamic systems. • State-space approach to modelling dynamic systems. • Time-domain analysis of simple dynamic systems. • Frequency response of simple dynamic systems. • Sampled-data and discrete time systems. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: 1. Use Laplace transform techniques to derive transfer functions of typical mechanical, electrical and fluid systems. 2. Calculate and plot the step and frequency responses of linear systems. 3. Derive the state equations for typical systems. 4. Obtain discrete time representations of linear systems. 5. Use MATLAB for matrix and systems algebra and to plot system responses. |
Introduction to Transonic Flow
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The aim of this module is to provide the student with an understanding of transonic flow development and how this affects aerodynamic performance. |
Syllabus |
The main emphasis within the course content is on well-ordered flows at subsonic and sonic speeds about smooth bodies such as aerofoils or wings which is particularly relevant to aerodynamic analysis and design.
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Intended learning outcomes |
On completion of this module the student will be able to:
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Applications of CFD
Aim |
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Syllabus |
• The hierarchy of governing equations • Mesh generation techniques • Solution strategies |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: 1. Demonstrate the ability to build a suitable CFD model for external flow simulation 2. Critically evaluate the limitations of these methods. |
Principles of CFD
Aim |
• To introduce the basics of numerical analysis and numerical methods for partial differential and algebraic equations. • To introduce the concepts of grid generation. • To understand the CFD methods used for computing incompressible and compressible flows. • To introduce the concepts of High Performance Computing. |
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Syllabus |
• Introduction to numerical analysis. • Numerical Integration, Numerical derivation, Discretization using finite difference methods and stability, Error Analysis. • Geometry modelling and surface grids. • Algebraic mesh generation. • Overview of various numerical methods for compressible and incompressible flows. • Validation and Verification for CFD • Mathematical properties of hyperbolic systems. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: 1. Understand basic physical modelling and numerical methods as typically employed by commercial CFD codes. 2. Have an appreciation of the application of CFD to practical engineering problems. |
Fundamentals of Aircraft System Identification
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide fundamental insight into analytical methods and flight test techniques used for the derivation of mathematical models of an aircraft. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On the completion of this module the diligent student will be able to:
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Supercritical Wing Design
Aim |
The aim of this module is to give the student an appreciation of the factors influencing supercritical flow development and the interaction with other aerofoil / wing design features. The aim is also to provide students with knowledge of industrial aircraft design practice / process and project management along with some practical experience. |
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Syllabus |
Aerofoil design aims and methodology, highlighting the influence of such factors as Mach number, lift coefficient, thickness/chord and thickness form, and the limits provided by viscous effects and Reynolds number. 3D wing design, covering the role of sweep, taper, wing twist and dihedral, and the impact on wing aerodynamics of propulsion integration, fuselage interference and high lift (take-off and landing) requirements. Main features of the subcritical and supercritical CFD methods and how they are used as graphical interactive design tools. Particular importance is attached to interpretation of the results of the CFD calculation and how closely these relate to what would occur in the true aerofoil flow. The conceptual aircraft design process and project management practice. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Teaching team
You will be taught by Cranfield's leading experts with many years' industrial experience. Teaching is supplemented by contributions from industry and other outside organisations which reinforce the applied nature of the modules. Previous contributors have included: Professor Allan Bocci, Aircraft Research Association (ARA) Trevor Birch, Defence Science Technology Laboratory (DSTL). The Course Director for this programme is Dr James Whidborne.
Accreditation
The MSc in Aerospace Dynamics is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Your career
Industry-driven research makes our graduates some of the most desirable in the world for recruitment in a wide range of career paths within the aerospace and military sector. A successful graduate should be able to integrate immediately into an industrial or research environment and make an immediate contribution to the group without further training. Increasingly, these skills are in demand in other areas including automotive, environmental, energy and medicine. Recent graduates have found positions in the aerospace, automotive and related sectors.
Employers include:
- Airbus,
- BAE Systems,
- Onera,
- Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR),
- Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl),
- QinetiQ,
- Rolls-Royce plc,
- Snecma,
- Thales,
- Selex ES,
- MBDA,
- Jaguar Land Rover,
- Tata,
- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC),
- Triumph Motorcycles.
A significant number of graduates go on to do research and higher degrees.
How to apply
Online application form. UK students are normally expected to attend an interview and financial support is best discussed at this time. Overseas and EU students may be interviewed by telephone.
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The AIRC working with other Cranfield facilities, including the runway, is unique. This is the only place where universities and companies can demonstrate, validate and research at the platform level, up to the higher technical readiness levels (6-7) more normally associated with business.
Iain Gray, Director of Aerospace