Elements of Aeronautics

Course details

The course starts with an introduction to the basic concepts of aerospace engineering, early airplanes, biplanes and monoplanes. We will also be discussing Aircraft Configurations where we will discuss in details Components of an airplane and their functions, Different types of flight vehicles, classifications, Conventional control, Powered control, Basic instruments for flying and Typical systems for control actuation.

The course will also discuss the Principles of Flight, Physical properties and structure of the atmosphere, Temperature, pressure and altitude relationships. Then we move on to learn Evolution of lift, drag and moment, Aerofoil's, Mach number and Maneuvers.

We will also be dealing in Airplane Structures and Materials, General types of construction, Monocoque, semi-monocoque construction, Typical wing and fuselage structure. We will take a look in details of Metallic and non-metallic materials, Use of aluminum alloy, titanium, stainless steel and composite materials.

Finally, the course will take the participants to understand Power Plants Used In Airplanes, Basic ideas about piston, turboprop and jet engines, Use of propeller and jets for thrust production, Comparative merits, Principles of operation of rocket, types of rockets and typical applications, Exploration into space.