Aerospace engineering involves the design of aircraft and spacecraft. It encompasses areas like structural design, navigation, and propulsion. The field has advanced significantly since the Wright Brothers' first flight in 1903 and the establishment of NASA in 1958. Aerospace engineers design, test, and manufacture aircraft, missiles, and rockets. The career outlook is strong, with expected salary ranges from $50,000 to $120,000 annually depending on experience level. Aerospace engineering programs focus on courses like aerodynamics, materials science, and computer-aided design.

1. Aerospace Engineering By: Rich Farrell

2. Thesis Aerospace Engineering is a discrete branch of engineering that has a huge affect on everyday life. Designing aircraft is a very complex and intricate art that involves a wealth of knowledge and skills.

3. What is Aerospace Engineering? A branch of engineering that involves the design, manufacturing, and science of aircraft and spacecraft.

4. Branches of Aerospace There are two main branches of Aerospace engineering, Aeronautical and Astronautical engineering. Aeronautical engineering involves craft that stay inside Earth’s atmosphere. Astronautical Engineering involves craft that operate in outer space.

5. Continued Aerospace Engineering encompasses the design, manufacturing, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and rockets. The focus of Aerospace Engineering revolves around the advancement of space exploration, aviation, and defense systems. Aerospace Engineers specialize in areas that include: structural design, navigation and control, guidance, and instrumentation.

6. History The first planning for “flying machines” began in the 19th and 20th centuries. Sire George Cayley is know as the first real pioneer of aeronautics engineering. The Wright brothers first flight on December 17, 1903 sparked interest in aerospace engineering on a whole different level.

7. History continued The official definition of aerospace engineering was not written until February of 1958. Also in 1958 the USA founded NASA because of the cold war. The majority of the advancements in aerospace engineering have come from wartime technology.

8. Careers within Aerospace Engineering A major in Aerospace Engineering can provide may different career opportunities including careers in: Software development Marketing and sales Management Research Design and development Field service Teaching

9. Career Outlook The number Aerospace Engineers is expected to increase by 2013. The cuts in military spending may cut back on aerospace engineers in the military, but the number of engineers in the private sector is expected to increase. The troubled economy is expected increase the number of aerospace engineers because airlines want new aircraft that are cheaper to run.

10. Salaries The average aerospace engineer makes around $61,180 to $94,340 annually. The lower end of the spectrum makes less than $49,920 annually. The upper end of the spectrum makes upwards of $120,760 annually.

11. Schooling The career choice for an Aerospace Engineer starts with schooling. There are many courses an engineer can take to determine what their career path will be including: Fluid mechanics Astrodynamics Mathematics Propulsion Aircraft Structures Avionics Materials Science, etc.

12. Schooling Continued Even though there are many courses within the Aerospace Engineering major, most of the courses are based around design.

13. Design Courses The design courses include: Thermodynamics Celestial mechanics Aerodynamics Propulsion Acoustics Guidance and Control systems

14. Design Principles

15. Design Principles Continued

16. Design Principles Continued

17. Computer Aided Design (CAD) With today’s technology engineers can use CAD to design all parts of an aircraft. CAD allows engineers to make 2D and 3D designs of aircraft. Engineers can make scale drawings with design programs that manufacturers then use to build the aircraft.

18. Popular CAD Programs AutoCAD TurboCAD AutoDesk Inventor Pro/Engineer MicroStation (used in our school)

19. Production of Aircraft First Aerospace Engineers design the airframe, avionics (controls), the power plant, and the interior. Next, the designs are given to other engineers that then use the designs to actually build the aircraft. Then, test pilots or licensed engineers than test the aircraft. Finally, if the airplane is successful the manufacturer can then sell the aircraft

20. Application To apply what I learned in my research to everyday life, I built a model airplane and rocket. I also transferred the aircraft design to a CAD drawing.

22. There are several types of engines that can be used to launch the rocket.

23. Engines are sized by letters, A being the weakest and the higher the letter in the alphabet, the stronger the engine.