CURRICULAR SEQUENCE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

University of Puerto Rico at Mayagez Department of Mechanical Engineering

College of Engineering

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CURRICULAR SEQUENCE: CATEGORY IV 1. Title

Curricular Sequence in Aerospace Engineering (CSAE)

2. Goal

The goal of the CSAE is to educate engineering students to identify and solve aerospace-related problems in the fields of structures, propulsion and aerodynamics.

3. What is Aerospace Engineering?

Aerospace Engineering can be defined as the combination of aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering. Aeronautical Engineering deals with the whole field of analysis, design, manufacturing, maintenance, testing, and use of aircraft. It involves the knowledge of aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, flight mechanics, avionics, and other related areas. Astronautical engineering is closely allied to aeronautics, but is concerned with the flight of vehicles in space, beyond the earth's atmosphere, and includes the study and development of rocket engines, artificial satellites, and spacecraft for the exploration of outer space. As there is a certain degree of technology overlap between the two fields, the term Aerospace is often used to describe them both. Hence, Aerospace Engineering can be defined as the analysis, design, manufacturing, and use of aircraft and/or spacecraft. Aerospace Engineering is a very diverse field with a multitude of commercial, industrial and government applications. Typical Aerospace Engineering programs are designed for students who desire to learn about flight, whether in the atmosphere or in space. Programs typically begin with basic study of engineering principles, such as structures, thermodynamics, statics, and design and as the programs progress, students move on to the study of propulsion, control systems, and aerodynamics. Graduates gain a high level of technical expertise that will serve them well in various engineering occupations, such as those within industry and government.

4. Graduate profile

Students completing the CSAE will have the ability to apply fundamental principles (e.g., math, science, and engineering) and use analytical and numerical methods to solve problems in aerospace sciences.

CURRICULAR SEQUENCE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

University of Puerto Rico at Mayagez Department of Mechanical Engineering

College of Engineering

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5. Learning Objectives

Throughout the CSAE, students will be exposed to the following educational and learning objectives:

1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering. 2. Identify, formulate and solve aerospace engineering problems. 3. Use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for

aerospace engineering practice. 4. Communicate effectively in aerospace-related team projects.

6. Justification

The CSAE was created because:

1. Aerospace Technology is becoming a focal point of interest for industry

and UPRM academia in Puerto Rico. In response to this eventuality, PRIDCO has established the Aerospace Cluster of Puerto Rico, which most likely will locate its offices in the western part of Puerto Rico.

2. Since 2003 several industries requiring engineers with knowledge of

aerospace related issues have businesses in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Companies requiring engineers knowledgeable in aerospace sciences have hired over 300 UPRM engineering students since 2003. In addition others that design and manufacture aircraft parts and components have demonstrated interest in coming to Puerto Rico. These industries require engineering students with a background in aerospace sciences; in the next two years, hiring forecasts envision over 1000 job openings.

3. UPRM holds several research collaborations in the field of aerospace

science. There is a growing interest from government and corporate aerospace industries to collaborate with the College of Engineering and faculty in aerospace-related research and projects.

4. At UPRM, students do not have an in-depth exposure to aerospace

related topics and such an option is available in only a limited number of courses. Hence, the CSAE will satisfy the need for students to obtain a background in Aerospace sciences.

7. Current requisites of programs offering certifications or licenses, if applicable

N/A

CURRICULAR SEQUENCE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

University of Puerto Rico at Mayagez Department of Mechanical Engineering

College of Engineering

Page 3 of 6

8. Course sequence

8.1 Students must have taken the following courses before enrolling in the CSAE:

Pre-requisites: INME 4001 Thermodynamics I or INME4045 or INQU 4011 (03 credits) INGE 4010 Fluid Mechanics with Lab or INGE 4015-16 (04 credits) Co-requisites: INME 4002 Thermodynamics II or INQU 4012 or INME4045 (03 credits) MATE 4009 Differential Equations or MATE 4145 (03 credits)

(The above courses are requirements of the BS curriculum in ME)

8.2 Students must take the following courses in order to complete the CSAE:

INME 4705 Applied Aerodynamics (03 credits) INME 4707 Gas Turbine Thermodynamics and Propulsion (03 credits) INME 4709 Aircraft Performance (03 credits) INME 4717 Aircraft Structural Analysis and Design (03 credits) INME 5707 Gas Turbine System Operation (03 credits) INME 5717 Advanced Aircraft Structural Design (03 credits) Enroll in research or internship related project for one semester or full summer. (INME4039 or INME4995 or INME 4998) (03 credits) Or (INME5015: AeroDesign) Only if competed (03 credits)

8.3 Total number of credits of the CSAE

Pass the above mentioned courses (total of 21 credits). Students from other majors, besides Mechanical Engineering (ME), will have to take the pre-requisites or equivalents. Students are required to take 2 technical electives, 2 design electives, and 4 free electives within the ME Curriculum. Hence, only one additional course above the total number of credits for a BS in ME will be required as part of CSAE. Each BS curricular sequence within the College of Engineering has a set of concentration electives and a set of free electives. Table 1 highlights how students can plan ahead to take these electives to fit within their BS programs. In order to successfully complete the CSAE, it is important to note that students will be required to use, at least, six of their free electives in aerospace courses. A internship or coop in a aerospace-related company/industry can satisfy the

CURRICULAR SEQUENCE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

University of Puerto Rico at Mayagez Department of Mechanical Engineering

College of Engineering

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CSAE hands-on experience. The CSAE wants to provide each student with a hands-on experience in an internship or coop, but this internship cannot be guaranteed. If this occurs, then the internship requirement may be substituted with an undergraduate engineering project or an undergraduate research topic; the main topic of this effort must be in the aerospace related disciplines.

8.4 Existing courses

INME 4705, INME 4707, INME 4709, INME 4717, INME 5707, INME 5717, INME 4039, INME 4995, INME 4998, INME 5015

8.5 Course focus in three main areas

The CSAE is designed to provide students with the opportunity to have a hands-on experience which makes this sequence unique. The courses have been designed to cover main areas in CSAE. Students should have an overall concept of aircraft design and about the effects they endure during flight, including aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and flight performance. These courses can be described as follows:

1. INME 4705 has the purpose of introducing the topics of aerodynamics. 2. INME 4707 and 5707 have the purpose introducing the basics of gas

turbine analysis. 3. INME 4709 has the purpose of teaching preliminary aircraft design and

aircraft performance analysis. 4. INME 4717 and 5717 have the purpose of introducing aircraft

structural analysis and design.

8.6 Changes or addition to courses

New courses can be added through a proposal. Changes may include addition or deletion of:

1. course requirement, 2. learning objectives 3. program goals and/or focus

The courses must have an alpha-numerical code assigned before they are considered into the sequence. In order words, no temporary course will be considered in any change proposal unless it is an official course.

CURRICULAR SEQUENCE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

University of Puerto Rico at Mayagez Department of Mechanical Engineering

College of Engineering

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9. Justification of resources

Each courses minimum number of students will be in accord with the Regulations and Policies set forth by UPRM and will be offered at least once a year. Currently, these courses are taught by three full-time tenured/tenure-track faculty of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. They teach these courses in addition to other academic, research and administrative responsibilities. Hence, the UPRM has the necessary resources to offer the CSAE.

10. Application requirements

In order to apply to the CSAE, the student:

1. Must be an engineering student, in good standing, at UPRM. Students in good standing are those in accord with the definition as enunciated by the UPRM undergraduate catalogue at the time of application.

2. Fill the application for the CSAE, which will be available online (http://www.me.uprm.edu).

3. Be at least a junior (third year student). Academic admission requirements for the CSAE will be according to the university policies. In addition:

1. Language: All applicants should have a working knowledge of both English and Spanish.

2. Application deadlines: a. February 15 for Fall semester; b. September 15 for Spring semester.

3. Students will receive a written notification from the Department of Mechanical Engineering by April 30th when applying for Fall Semester and November 30th when applying for Spring Semester. This will be sufficient proof to the student that he/she is enrolled in the CSAE.

4. Once students have enrolled, they will have the option of withdrawing from the program at any time. If a student withdraws from the program, he or she must request readmission to the CSAE by submitting a written statement of consideration to enter the program once again.

5. Students who have completed a degree, but would like to complete the CSAE, must request readmission to the CSAE by submitting a written statement of consideration to complete the program. UPRM rules and policies will apply to all cases.

11. Requirements for completion

At the time of graduation, the student must complete 21 credit-hours of the CSAE, as specified in section 8.2. Students must hold a GPA of least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in aerospace courses with a minimum grade of C. Students will be allowed to repeat courses according to the university policies.

CURRICULAR SEQUENCE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

University of Puerto Rico at Mayagez Department of Mechanical Engineering

College of Engineering

Page 6 of 6

12. Assessment In addition, the assessment will help us answer the following information:

How useful was the curricular sequence and content of the CSAE? How would the students improve the CSAE?

The assessment process will be in accord to that already existent within the Department of Mechanical Engineering for ABET.

13. Point of Contact

University of Puerto Rico at Mayagez Department of Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Sciences Coordinator 259 ALFONSO VALDES BLVD Mayagez, PR 00680-9000 Fax: (787) 265-3817 Tel: (787) 832-4040 Ext. 3659 Email: aerospace@me.uprm.edu http://www.me.uprm.edu/academic/aerospace