📖Program Curriculum
Course modules
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.
Astrodynamics and Mission Analysis
Module Leader
Dr Joan Pau Sanchez Cuartielles
Aim
To provide a critical understanding of the basic principles of Astrodynamics and Mission Analysis and of their application to typical mission analysis problems.
Syllabus
Astrodynamics - Keplerian orbital motion
Newton’s Law of Gravitation.
Equations of Motion for a two body system.
Motion in a Central Field. Conic Sections.
The Geometry of the Ellipse. Kepler's Laws.
The Position-Time Problem.
The Energy Integral.
The Satellite Orbit in Space.
Astrodynamics - Orbit Perturbations.
Variation of Parameters.
Perturbations Caused by Earth Oblateness.
Perturbations Caused by a Third Body.
Triaxiality Perturbations.
Mission analysis
Orbit Selection for Mission Design.
Hohmann Transfer and Inclinations Changes.
Hyperbolic Passage.
Patched Conics Interplanetary trajectories.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this module the student should :
Be able to apply appropriate techniques to solve a range of practical astrodynamics and mission analysis problems
Be able to describe widely used orbit types and their applications, and evaluate the perturbations on these orbits
Be able to plan impulsive orbital manoeuvres to achieve mission design requirements.
Space Systems Engineering
Aim
To demonstrate how to develop the design of a space system, from the initial mission objective, through requirements definition, concept development and trade-off, and through to a baseline design.
Syllabus
• Brief history & context: Background to the development of space, agencies, funding, future missions.
• Introduction to space system design methodology: requirements, trade-off analysis, design specifications, system budgets.
• Spacecraft sub-systems design: Structure & configuration; Power, the power budget and solar array and battery sizing; Communications and the link budget; Attitude determination and control; Orbit determination and control; Thermal control.
• Mission and payload types Spacecraft configuration: examples of configuration of spacecraft designed for various mission types; case study.
• Introduction to cost engineering.
• Space and Spacecraft Environment: Radiation, vacuum, debris, spacecraft charging, material behaviour and outgassing.
• Assembly, Integration and Test processes; Launch campaign; Space mission operations.
Intended learning outcomes On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
1. Establish quantitative mission requirements.
2. Characterise the mission design drivers and identify solution options at system and subsystem level.
3. Evaluate the performance of options by means of a trade-off analysis.
4. Produce a baseline system definition, with appropriate engineering budgets.
5. Outline a programme plan to verify the system performance.
Space Propulsion
Aim
To provide an understanding of the thermofluid dynamic concepts underlying rocket and air-breathing space propulsion and of your implications for launch vehicle and spacecraft system performance and design.
Syllabus
Introduction: The interactions between propulsion system, mission & spacecraft design.
Launch Vehicle Performance: Mission requirements, Vehicle dynamics, Tsiolkovski rocket equation, Launch vehicle sizing & multi-staging, Illustrative launcher performance (Scout, Ariane, Shuttle programmes) - launch site / range safety constraints, Geostationary orbit acquisition.
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Expendable Launch Vehicles - Current Options: Vehicle design summaries, Orbital transfer vehicles, Comparative launch costs, Reusable launchers.
Propulsion Fundamentals: Systems classification, Nozzle flows, Off-design considerations (under/over-expanded flows), Thermochemistry.
Space Propulsion Systems and Performance: Propellants and combustion, Solid and liquid propellant systems, Engine cycles: Spacecraft propulsion - orbit raising, station-keeping and attitude control, Propellant management at low-g - alternative storage and delivery systems: Electric propulsion, Separately-powered rocket performance, Low thrust manoeuvres, Thruster concepts and configurations.
Air-Breathing Propulsion for Launcher Applications:Motivation, Concepts and Mach number Constraints: Ramjet cycle analysis - implications of alternative fuels, intake design, Supersonic combustion, Air liquefaction cycles, Future trends in launcher configuration.
Intended learning outcomes On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a critical understanding the constraints imposed by launch vehicle performance & operation on mission analysis.
2. Perform preliminary mission design studies which accommodate the capabilities of the major launch systems currently available.
3. Use one-dimensional gas dynamic relationships to perform initial propulsion system design point and off-design calculations.
4. Be familiar with the principal options for propulsion system design in relation to both boosters and secondary spacecraft propulsion, and to be able to assess critically their relative strengths in a range of mission applications.
5. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the determining factors in high speed flows which constrain the application of air-breathing propulsion to space launcher applications and the current responses to the technical challenges posed.
Elective modules
A selection of modules from the following list need to be taken as part of this course
Control Systems
Aim
To provide knowledge of the fundamentals of control engineering for the analysis and design of control systems in aerospace applications.
Syllabus
Feedback control system characteristics.
Control system performance.
Stability of Linear Feedback Systems.
Root locus method.
Frequency response method.
Nyquist stability.
Classical controller design.
State variable controller design.
Robust control.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a you should be able to:
1. Analyse and explain the stability, characteristics, behaviour and robustness of single input/ single- output feedback control systems.
2. Design controllers for single-input single-output systems.
3. Use modern PC-based CAD software to solve control engineering problems and design control systems using classical methods.
4. Recognise and explain the advantages and limitations of feedback and recognise the importance of robustness.
Finite Element Analysis
Aim
The course is aimed at giving potential Finite Element USERS basic understanding of the inner workings of the method.
The objective is to introduce users to the terminology, basic numerical and mathematical aspects of the method. This should help students to avoid some of the more common and important user errors, many of which stem from a "black box" approach to this technique. Some basic guidelines are also given on how to approach the modelling of structures using the Finite Element Method.
Syllabus
• Background to Finite Element Methods (FEM) and its application.
• Introduction to FE modelling: Idealisation, Discretisation, Meshing and Post Processing.
• Tracking and controlling errors in a finite element analysis. ‘Do’s and don’ts’ of modelling.
• Illustration of basics of FEM using the Direct Stiffness method to define both terminology and theoretical approach.
• Problems of large systems of equations for FE, and solution methods.
• Damage modelling and its validation process.
• Digitalisation of materials and analysis for design optimisation.
• NASTRAN application sessions.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
Appraise the underlying principles and key aspects of practical application of FEA to structural problems.
Calculate the main mathematical and numerical aspects of the element formulations for 1D, 2D and 3D elements.
Construct and analyse finite element models based on structural and continuum elements with proper understanding of limitations of the FEM.
Evaluate results of the analyses and assess error levels.
Critically evaluate the constraints and implications imposed by the finite element method.
Design and Analysis of Composite Structures
Aim
To introduce you to the composite materials, manufacturing techniques and analysis methods for the design of aerospace composite structures.
Syllabus
• Introduction; Types of composite materials, especially FRP composites.
• Overview of composites manufacturing techniques.
• Micromechanics and macro mechanics for stiffness and strength analysis of a FRP ply; Macro mechanics, constitutive equation, stiffness and strength analysis of a FRP laminate; Thermal and moisture residual stresses in a FRP laminate.
• Stress analysis of an open section FRP composite structure subjected to various loadings.
• Stress analysis of a closed section FRP composite structure subjected to various loadings.
• Design guidelines and examples for composite structure design and analysis.
• Computer programmes for laminate stress, buckling of laminate and stiffened skin.
The classroom assignment on composite manufacturing techniques will take place towards the end of this module. The date and time will be confirmed by the tutor. The assignment is a one hour written paper that will take place in the classroom under exam conditions. This assignment is formally assessed and is worth 25% of the marks available for this module.
Intended learning outcomes On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the key features and particular properties of composite materials, especially fibre reinforced plastics (FRP).
2. Apply analytical methods for the evaluation of moisture and thermal effects on a FRP laminate.
3. Able to evaluate the strength of a FRP laminate based on stress analysis and failure criteria.
4. Able to perform stress analysis of laminated composite structures with open and closed sections subjected to various loadings.
Multivariable Control Systems for Aerospace Applications
Module Leader
Professor James Whidborne
Aim
To provide a knowledge of modern control techniques for the analysis and design of multivariable aerospace control systems.
Syllabus
Multivariable System Analysis
• Multivariable linear systems theory
• System realizations
• Controllability, observability and canonical forms
• Size of signals and systems
Multivariable Control System Design
• System interconnection and feedback
• Optimal linear quadratic control and estimation
• Uncertainty and conditions for robustness
• H-infinity optimal control
Intended learning outcomes On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
1. Analyse the stability, robustness and performance of multivariable aerospace control systems.
2. Design robust and optimal feedback control systems using state variable techniques using MATLAB.
3. Recognise the advantages and limitations of optimal feedback control.
Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control
Module Leader
Dr Joan Pau Sanchez Cuartielles
Aim
To provide an introduction to spacecraft kinematics and dynamics, focussing on rigid body dynamics and control of Earth orbiting satellites.
Syllabus
Overview:
• How does spacecraft dynamics relate to satellite control problem?
• AOCS (Attitude & Orbit Control Sub-system) design process
• Interactions with other sub-systems
• Control loop representation
Kinematics:
• Attitude representation: Euler angles, Euler parameters (quaternions)
• Common reference frames (inertial, orbit referenced)
• Transformation between reference frames
• Small angle linearisation (reduction of 3dof control problem to 1dof)
Rigid body dynamics:
• Euler's equations for rigid bodies
• Axisymetric spacecraft & free-body dynamics
• Disturbance torques
Application to spacecraft control:
• Simulating spacecraft free-body kinematics & dynamics in MATLAB
• Sensor basics (sun sensors, star trackers, rate sensors)
• Actuator basics (thrusters, reaction wheels)
• Rate control of rigid body spacecraft
• Attitude control of 3-axis stabilised spacecraft
Intended learning outcomes On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
1. Be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the dynamics and kinematics of rotational motion of spacecraft
2. Be able to apply appropriate techniques to solve a range of practical spacecraft dynamics and control problems
Aerospace Navigation and Sensors
Aim
The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the principles of aerospace navigation systems based on inertial sensors and satellite navigation as well as to provide an introduction to the principles of sensor fusion, system integration and error analysis and prediction.
Syllabus
GNSS and INS
• 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 you 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.
Advanced Topics in Astrodynamics and Trajectory Design
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