·         Curricular Topics Satisfying Mechanical Engineering Program Criteria

Program criteria for Mechanical Engineering require the program to demonstrate that graduates have the ability to apply principles of engineering, basic science, and mathematics (including multivariate calculus and differential equations) to model, analyze, design, and realize physical systems, components, or processes; and have the ability to work professionally in both thermal and mechanical systems areas.

As described in Criterion 5 of the present Self Study Report, all AE students are required to complete 9 mechanical engineering courses for a total of 29 credit hours.  These courses include Basic Workshop (MENG 130), Statics (CE 201), Mechanical Engineering, Dynamics (MENG 262), Mechanics of Materials (MENG 270), Computer Aided Graphics (MENG 204), Thermodynamics I (MEP 261), and Fluid Mechanics (MEP 290) as a strong Mechanical engineering foundation with a substantial lab component in both thermal and mechanical applications.  The curriculum culminates in two mechanical systems capstone design courses, Machine Elements Design (MENG 310) and Mechanical Design (MENG 410).  Thermal systems are covered through Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics as well as the two AE courses; Aircraft Engines (AE 371) and Propulsion (AE 472) with a substantial design component.

·         Curricular Topics Satisfying Aeronautical Engineering Program Criteria

Program criteria for Aeronautical engineering require the programs to demonstrate that graduates have knowledge of aerodynamics, aerospace materials, structures, propulsion, flight mechanics, and stability and control.  Programs must also demonstrate that graduates have design competence that includes integration of aeronautical topics.

As described in Criterion 5 of the present Self Study Report, all AE students are required to complete 13 aeronautical engineering courses for a total of 39 credit hours.  These courses cover the curricular areas specified in the above criteria as follows:

-          Aerodynamics: Low Speed Aerodynamics (AE 311), High Speed Aerodynamics (AE 412), and Aerodynamics Lab (AE 414) for a total of 8 credits.

-          Aerospace materials: Flight Vehicle Materials (AE 433) of 3 credits

-          Structures: Aircraft Structures 1 (AE 331), Aircraft Structures 2 (AE 432), and Structures Lab (AE 434) for a total of 8 credits.

-          Propulsion: Aircraft Engines (AE 371) and Propulsion (AE 472) for a total of 7 credits

-          Flight Mechanics: Aircraft Performance (AE 361) of 3 credits.

-          Stability and Control: Aircraft Stability and Control (AE 462) of 4 credits.

Design is integrated in several 300 level and 400 level AE courses which include open-ended design project pertinent to the specific course materials.  In addition to that design experience, AE students are required to integrate their previous knowledge from several aeronautical topics in two capstone, project based design courses; Aircraft Design (AE 435) and Aircraft Structural Design (AE 436) for a total of 6 credits. 

Finally AE students become prepared for engineering practice through this dedicated AE curriculum and its culmination in a major design experience based on the knowledge and skills acquired in earlier course work and incorporating appropriate engineering standards and multiple realistic constraints.  AE B.Sc. Project (AE 499) is a 2 semester course in which the students pass through a major design experience.  Integration from previous course work including several aeronautical topics is an integral part of the student work in their projects.