Module Code - Title:
ME4158
-
DESIGN, BUILD, FLY 2
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
ME4826
ME4807
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To apply the engineering knowledge and skills acquired in prior academic modules to a practical design problem. Working in teams, candidates will be required to design, build and fly (test) a radio-controlled aeroplane to satisfy a set of requirements and mission specifications.
Syllabus:
• programme/project planning and management
• aircraft conceptual design
• aerodynamics, performance, stability and control of fixed-wing aeroplanes
• aerodynamics loads determination
• airframe structural design
• powerplant and energy storage selection and installation
• flight control system design
• manufacturing and assembly techniques
• test and evaluation
• presentations and formal report writing
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On completion of this module, students will be able to
• Develop a concept design of an airplane (with details of platform geometry, estimated mass, powerplant, performance, manufacturing techniques) to satisfy a design requirement.
• Produce CAD drawings for component manufacture and assembly.
• Apply engineering knowledge in aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, flight dynamics to satisfy an integrated design challenge.
• Develop and conduct laboratory and flight tests
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Develop and execute project plans
• Appreciate the integrated nature of aircraft design
Students will also gain significant experience of working within a team. Communication and technical writing are additional attributes that will be developed with in the module.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Students will have the opportunity to develop hand skills through the manufacture and assembly of the radio controlled model airplanes.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module is primarily taught through a significant problem-based learning assignment, which is undertaken in teams of about 9-13 students. The teams will design, build, and demonstrate the capabilities of an unmanned, radio-controlled aircraft that can best meet a set of specified design requirements. Students follow a structured systems engineering approach in semester 7 to achieve a balanced design, which is presented at a critical design review (CDR). The manufacture of the vehicle takes place in semester 8, culminating in ground and flight testing and performance evaluation. A group report is submitted. Weekly design review meetings monitor progress.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Raymer, Daniel P. (2012)
Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach, 5th ed.
, AIAA Education Series
Fielding, John P. (1999)
Introduction to Aircraft Design
, Cambridge University Press
Roskam, Jan (2003)
Airplane Design Parts I through VII, 2nd ed.
, Darcorporation
Other Relevant Texts:
Torenbeek, E. (1982)
Synthesis of Airplane Design
, Delft University Press
Howe, D. (2000)
Aircraft Conceptual Design Synthesis
, Professional Engineering Publishing
Stinton, D. (1983)
The Design of the Aeroplane
, BSP
Nicolai, L.M. and Carichner, G.E. (2010)
Fundamentals of Aircrfat and Airship Design, Vol. 1- Aircraft Design
, AIAA Education Series
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MEAEENTFA - AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
trevor.young@ul.ie