Aerospace Technology Laboratory

Catalog description

Experiments in measurement systems, aerodynamics, aerospace structures, dynamics and control, and propulsion, technical report writing and presentations. AERSP 305 Aerospace Technology Laboratory (3) AERSP 305 is a junior-level experimental laboratory course in Aerospace Engineering. The purpose of this course is to expose students to the key principles and methods of experimentation as related to the field of aerospace engineering. Students learn the fundamentals of measurement techniques to determine quantities such as temperature, force, pressure, displacement, velocity, acceleration and strain in various laboratory situations. The course employs weekly "set-up" experiments that provide an opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with modern measurement techniques and gain valuable experience regarding the calibration and use of aerospace engineering research equipment. Students are expected to apply their knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering in order to complete successfully the experiments encountered in the laboratory. The subsequent interpretation and analysis of the laboratory data requires the use of standard engineering tools and practices. Students work in lab groups to process data and then identify, formulate, and solve engineering questions associated with the experimental results.Throughout the semester, students communicate their knowledge and understanding of the course material through a series of class assignments, written technical reports, and one final exam. Because writing and revising laboratory reports significantly enhances the understanding and interpretation of the research data, this course is "writing-intensive." As such, students are expected to improve their writing skills as they gain experience writing abstracts, informal reports and formal reports. Peer review of reports helps students to recognize good writing, and to learn how to provide constructive criticism. The course instructor provides written feedback for revised formal reports, and the quality of writing is a factor in determining final grades.