Below are all of the courses that are available to be taken in AEROSP. Some courses may not be available every semester. Each course is listed in the following format:
- Subject Code and Course Number: Course Name
- If it is a cross listed class, the crosslist course subject and course number will be listed in parentheses
- Any advised or enforced prerequisites that should be taken before enrolling for the course
- A description of the course
- A link to the CourseProfile in ATLAS
*For more information regarding course equivalencies please refer to the Course Equivalency section, under “How to Read a Course Description“, in the CoE Bulletin Website: https://bulletin.engin.umich.edu/courses/course-info/
200 Level Courses
AEROSP 200. Introduction to the Aerospace Enterprise
Advisory and Enforced Prerequisite: None. (2 credits)
An introduction to leadership, culture, and wide variety of technical fields that are part of the design, construction, and operations of Aeronautical and Astronautical vehicles. The course includes numerous seminars by notable practitioners. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 201. Introduction to Aerospace Engineering
Advisory Prerequisite: None. Enforced Prerequisite: (ENGR 100 (or equivalent) and ENGR 101 or ENGR 151) and (PHYSICS 140 and 141) and MATH 116 or equivalent. Minimum grade requirement of “C-” for enforced prerequisites. (2 credits)
An introduction to aerospace engineering science. Flight vehicles in the atmosphere and in space.
Introduction to propulsion, aerodynamics, and aircraft performance. Introduction to satellites, rockets, and orbital mechanics. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 205. Introduction to Aerospace Engineering Systems
Advisory Prerequisite: None. Enforced Prerequisite: PHYSICS 140 or PHYSICS 141 or MATH 116 or ENGR 100 or ENGR 101 or ENGR 151. (3 credits)
A Systems Engineering Experience: Introduces engineering processes by means of design, build, test and operation of flight vehicles. Exposure to technologies including: computer aided design, manufacturing, simulation, composites, mechanisms, instrumentation and basic electronics. Embedded software development for data acquisition and processing, control and communications. Individual and team projects. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 215. Introduction to Solid Mechanics and Aerospace Structures
Advisory Prerequisite: Preceded or accompanied by MATH 216 and AEROSP 201. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
An introduction to the fundamental phenomena of solid and structural mechanics in Aerospace systems. Includes analysis and numerical methods of solution used for design of Aerospace structures. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 225. Introduction to Gas Dynamics
Advisory Prerequisite: None. Enforced Prerequisite: (MATH 215 or 255 or 285) and (CHEM 125 and 130) and (PHYSICS 140 or 160) and PHYSICS 141. Minimum grade requirement of “C-” for enforced prerequisites. (3 credits)
This course covers fundamental concepts in thermodynamics and fluid dynamics. Topics include molecular and continuum concepts for fluids, first and second laws of thermodynamics, conservation laws for moving fluids, one-dimensional compressible flows, shocks and expansion waves, flows in nozzles. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 288. Fundamentals of Product Development
Advisory and Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Focuses on the development of complex products (aircraft, spacecraft, automobiles, etc.). Model-Based Systems Engineering tools and methods will be taught on a known system, so students can learn fundamentals and apply them to their own student projects. Other product development leadership tools and processes are also included. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 290. Directed Study
Advisory and Enforced Prerequisite: None. (1-3 credits)
Study of aspects of aerospace engineering that is not suitable for technical elective credit. May be used for student team projects, pilot ground school, UROP or other academic studies that are directed by an Aerospace Engineering faculty member. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
300 Level Courses
AEROSP 305. Aerospace Engineering Laboratory I
Advisory Prerequisite: Preceded by AEROSP 205, AEROSP 215, AEROSP 225, and PHYSICS 240 or PHYSICS 260. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (4 credits)
First course of a two-semester sequence covering fundamentals of instrumentation and measurement and their application in engineering testing and experimentation. Includes principles of analog and digital data acquisition, analysis of discrete measurement data, statistical assessment of hypotheses, design of experiments and similarity scaling of data. Emphasized development of skills for written communication and for working effectively in a team environment. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 315. Aircraft/Spacecraft Structures
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 215 and MATH 216. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
An introduction to the fundamental phenomena of solid and structural mechanics in aerospace systems. Includes analysis and numerical methods of solution that are used for design of aerospace structures. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 325. Aerodynamics
Advisory Prerequisite: MATH 216 and AEROSP 225. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Fundamental concepts in aerodynamics. Students learn how airfoils produce lift and how the pressure distribution about an airfoil can be calculated. Introduces the boundary-layer concept, how boundary layers lead to drag and what makes them prone to instability and turbulence or separation. Effects of the wing planform shape on lift and drag. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 335. Aircraft and Spacecraft Propulsion
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 225 and MATH 216. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Airbreathing propulsion, rocket propulsion and an introduction to modern advanced propulsion concepts. Includes thermodynamic cycles as related to propulsion and the chemistry and thermodynamics of combustion. Students analyze turbojets, turbofans and other air-breathing propulsion systems. Introduces liquid- and solid-propellant rockets and advanced propulsion concepts such as Hall thrusters and pulsed plasma thrusters. Students also learn about the environmental impact of propulsion systems and work in teams to design a jet engine. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 341. Aircraft Dynamics
Advisory Prerequisite: None. Enforced Prerequisite: MECHENG 240, MATH 216 and AEROSP 201. Minimum grade requirement of “C-” for enforced prerequisites. (3 credits)
Introduction to the dynamics and control of atmospheric flight vehicles. Nonlinear equations of motion. Stability derivatives and linearized equations for longitudinal and lateral flight dynamics. Concepts from linear systems: state equations, transfer functions, stability, time response, frequency response. Flight simulation using relevant software. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 343. Spacecraft Dynamics
Advisory Prerequisite: None. Enforced Prerequisite: MECHENG 240, MATH 216 and AEROSP 201. Minimum grade requirement of “C-” for enforced prerequisites. (3 credits)
Introduction to space flight mechanics. The two-body problem. Orbital transfers, maneuvers and orbital analysis. Ground tracks and relative motion in orbit. Gravity-assist trajectories. Spacecraft attitude and rotational dynamics. Euler’s and Poisson’s equations and their linearization. Stability analysis. Momentum management using thrusters and reaction wheels. Orbital simulation using Matlab and STK. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 350. Fundamentals of Aerospace Computing
Advisory Prerequisite: MATH 216 and ENG 101. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Fundamentals of computer science, computational science, and embedded systems, with applications from aerospace engineering. Topics include: pointers; data structures; algorithms; computational complexity; signal decomposition; numerical linear algebra; numerical integration; and modeling, design, analysis and verification of sensors, actuators, and embedded processors. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 384. Introduction to Solid Modeling and CAD
Advisory Prerequisite: Preceded or accompanied by AEROSP 201 and AEROSP 215. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Design process including specifications, configurations, trades and design drivers. Introduction to solid visualization and modeling through an integrated CAD/CAE/CAM/PDM software package in the context of the design process. The role of CAD in analysis, manufacturing and product management. Flight vehicle related. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 388. Aerospace Tools & Methods (MBSE)
Advisory Prerequisite: None. Enforced Prerequisite: AEROSP 288. Minimum grade requirement of “B” for enforced prerequisite. (4 credits)
Comprehensive teachings in Aerospace tools and methods, and statistical modeling, featuring Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). Physical and virtual verification and validation (V&V) methods will be taught, emphasizing correlation of virtual modeling to physical testing. Root cause analysis and Six Sigma tools and process are included to put V&V into context. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 390. Directed Study
Advisory and Enforced Prerequisite: None. (1-3 credits)
Study of specialized aspects of aerospace engineering. May be used for student team projects, pilot certification or other academic studies that are directed by an Aerospace Engineering faculty member. The student will submit a final report. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
400 Level Courses
AEROSP 405. Aerospace Laboratory II
Prerequisite: Preceded by AEROSP 305. (4 credits)
Second course of two-semester sequence covering instrumentation and measurement and their application in engineering testing and experimentation. Application of the principles learned in Aero 305 to more advanced test and measurement applications. Experiments and Projects are overseen/graded by faculty and may also involve mentoring by representatives from external organizations. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 416 (NAVARCH 416). Theory of Plates and Shells
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 315. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Linear elastic plates. Membrane and bending theory of axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric shells. Variational formulation of governing equations boundary conditions. Finite element techniques for plate and shell problems. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 421. Engineering Aerodynamics
Advisory Prerequisite: None. Enforced Prerequisite: AEROSP 325. Minimum grade requirement of “C-” for enforced prerequisite. (3 credits)
This course teaches contemporary aerodynamic analysis and design of aerospace vehicles and other systems. Topics include: review of theoretical concepts and methods, computer-based CFD tools, experimental methods and wind tunnel testing. Case studies are discussed to illustrate the combined use of advanced aerodynamic design methods. A team project is required. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 423. Computational Methods for Aerospace Engineering
Advisory Prerequisite: None. Enforced Prerequisite: (ENGR 101 or ENGR 151), MATH 216, and AEROSP 350. Minimum grade requirement of “C-” for enforced prerequisite. (3 credits)
This course covers computational methods used in Aerospace engineering, including time integration techniques for ordinary differential equations, finite differences, finite volumes, finite elements, and probabilistic methods. Emphasis is placed on analysis and implementation of the underlying numerical methods. Computer programming in Matlab or a similar language is required. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 445. Flight Dynamics of Aerospace Vehicles
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 470. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Flight-oriented models of aerospace vehicles. Analytical modeling principles for analysis and control. Computer-based simulation, performance evaluation and model validation. Flight properties of various aerospace vehicles, such as fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, launch and reentry vehicles, orbiters and interplanetary vehicles. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 447. Flight Testing
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 305 and AEROSP 341. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Theory and practice of obtaining flight-test data on performance and stability of airplanes from actual flight tests. Modern electronic flight test instrumentation, collection of flight test data, calibration procedures for air data sensors, estimation of stability derivatives from flight test data. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 450. Flight Software Systems
Advisory Prerequisite: Preceded by ENGR 101 and AEROSP 201, or graduate standing. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Theory and practice of embedded flight software systems. Computational theory topics include discrete mathematics, finite automata, computational complexity, and model checking. Software development concepts include object oriented programming, networks, multi-threaded software, real-time scheduling, and sensor/actuator interface protocols. Emphasis placed on C/C++ development in Linux with guidance, navigational control applications. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 470. Control of Aerospace Vehicles
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 341 or AEROSP 343. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Foundations of classical control theory; introduction to observers and state space control theory; effect of nonlinearities; application to aircraft and spacecraft; simulation of control systems using relevant software. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 481. Aircraft Design
Advisory Prerequisite: Preceded or accompanied by AEROSP 315, AEROSP 335 and AEROSP 348. Enforced Prerequisite: AEROSP 325. Minimum grade requirement of “C-” for enforced prerequisite. (4 credits)
Multidisciplinary integration of aerodynamics, performance, stability and control, propulsion, structures and aeroelasticity in a system approach aimed at designing an aircraft for a set of specifications. Team based projects are overseen and graded by faculty and may also involve mentoring by representatives from external organizations. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 483. Space System Design
Advisory Prerequisite: Preceded by AEROSP 343. Preceded or accompanied by AEROSP 315, 325, and 335. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (4 credits)
Engineering design process for space systems. Mission planning, launch vehicle integration, propulsion, power systems, communications, budgeting, and reliability. Space-systems engineering by including components, subsystems and mission design. Projects are overseen/graded by faculty and may also involve mentoring by representatives from external organizations. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 484. Computer Aided Des
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 315, AEROSP 325, AEROSP 335, and AEROSP 341 or 343. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (4 credits)
Advanced computer-aided design. Students learn about computer generation of geometric models, calculation of design parameters, trade-off diagrams and finite-element modeling and analysis. Each student carries out a structural component design using industry-standard software. The course includes individual and team assignments. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 488. Product Development Leadership
Advisory Prerequisite: None. Enforced Prerequisite: AEROSP 388. Minimum grade requirement of “B” or instructor permission for enforced prerequisite. (4 credits)
Students lead and manage comprehensive product design and development project. Senior team leader training, including both coaching and facilitation. Students are involved with coaching and mentorship of undergraduate students in AEROSP 288 and 388. Projects are overseen/graded by faculty and may also involve mentoring by representatives from external organizations. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 490. Directed Study
Advisory Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (1-3 credits)
Study of advanced aspects of aerospace engineering directed by an Aerospace faculty member. The student will submit a final report. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 495. Special Topics in Aerospace Engineering
Advisory Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (1-4 credits)
Specific aerospace engineering topics that are not treated in the regular Aerospace Engineering undergraduate curriculum. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
500 Level Courses
AEROSP 501. Aerospace Economics
Advisory and Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Graduate course in informing optimal engineering decisions based upon product lifecycles and customer
usage profiles. Students will learn about customer needs and how they’re fulfilled by aerospace products,
ultimate lifecycles of those products, how they inform the best product decisions, and future considerations around technology, sustainability, and industry trends. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 502. Aerospace Leadership Capstone
Advisory and Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Graduate Capstone course/project where students work in teams of 4-5 to develop a comprehensive
technology, product development, and business proposal, and apply all program learnings to the project. Students present to a panel of industry judges who grade the quality of the project, presentation, and use of the tools/methods. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 505. Engineering Tools & Methods
Advisory and Enforced Prerequisite: None. (2 credits)
A Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) course covering physical and virtual engineering, emphasizing move from physical to virtual. Correlations between physical and virtual evaluations for different technologies and systems will be discussed. Formal requirements delivery through MBSE, and Six Sigma (6𝜎) tools/processes will drive understanding of MBSE model use and limitations. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 510. Finite Elements in Mechanical and Structural Analysis I
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 315. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Introductory level. Finite element solutions for structural dynamics and nonlinear problems. Normal modes, forced vibrations, Euler buckling (bifurcations), large deflections, nonlinear elasticity, transient heat conduction. Computer laboratory based on a general purpose finite element code. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 511. Finite Elements in Mechanical and Structural Analysis II
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 510 or MECHENG 505. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Introduction to fundamental principles and latest developments in aerosol science. The dependence of aerosol composition and size distributions on the underlying atmospheric thermodynamics, dynamics, chemistry, and physics will be presented. Recent observations and theoretical treatments are used to illustrate aspects of aerosol science that are poorly quantified at present. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 512. Experimental Solid Mechanics
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 305 and AEROSP 315 or equivalent. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Lectures and experiments that demonstrate historical and contemporary methods of measurement in solid mechanics. A review of classical experiments that substantiate many typical assumptions (e.g., material linearity or Hooke’s Law) concerning the response of solids. An introduction to contemporary techniques or process measurement involving piezoresistivity. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 513. Foundations of Solid and Structural Mechanics I
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 315, MECHENG 311 or equivalent. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Introduction to linear continuum and structural mechanics. Three-dimensional analysis of stress and infinitesimal strain, including transformation of tensors, equations of motion, and kinematic compatibility. Boundary value problem formation. Constitutive relations for isotropic and anisotropic linear elastic materials. Introduction to variational calculus and energy methods. Applications to thin-walled and slender aerospace structures. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 514. Foundations of Solid and Structural Mechanics II
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 315 or equivalent. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Introduction to nonlinear continuum and structural mechanics. Elements of tensor calculus, basic kinematics, conservation laws (mass, linear and angular momentum, energy, etc.), constitutive equations in continual applications in hyper-realistic solids, numerical (f.e.m.) methods for the corresponding nonlinear boundary value problems, derivation of nonlinear shell theories from 3-D considerations. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 515. Mechanics of Composite and Microstructured Media
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 514 or equivalent. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
An introduction to the mechanics of composite (more than one phase) solids with an emphasis on the derivation of macroscopical constitutive laws based on the microstructure. Eshelby transformation theory, self consistent methods, homogenization theory for periodic media, bounding properties for effective moduli of composites. Applications of aerospace interest. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 516. Mechanics of Fibrous Composites
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 315 or MECHENG 412. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Effective stiffness properties of composites. Constitutive description of laminated plates. Laminated plate theory. Edge effects in laminates. Nonlinear theory of generally laminated plates. Governing equations in the Von Karman sense. Laminated plates with moderately large deflections. Post-buckling and nonlinear vibration of laminated plates. Failure theories and experimental results for laminates. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 518. Theory of Elastic Stability I
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 315 or MECHENG 412 or equivalent. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Concepts of stability and bifurcation. Simple examples to illustrate buckling and instability mechanisms in structures. Both equilibrium and time dependent problems discussed. General theory for stability in continuum, conservative elastic solids. Applications to bars, rings, plates and shells. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 520. Compressible Flow I
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 325. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Elements of inviscid compressible-flow theory: review of thermodynamics; equations of frictionless flow; analysis of unsteady one-dimensional and steady supersonic two-dimensional flows; including the method of characteristics; small-disturbance theory with applications to supersonic thin-airfoil theory. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 521. Experimental Methods in Fluid Mechanics
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 405 or graduate standing. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Fundamentals principles and practice of non-intrusive measurement techniques for compressible and incompressible flows. Review of geometric and Gaussian beam optics; Laser Doppler Velocimetry; quantitative flow field measurement techniques including interferometry, Laser Induced Fluorescence and Particle Image Velocimetry. Advanced data processing techniques for turbulent flow. Error estimation. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 522. Viscous Flow
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 325. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
The Navier-Stokes equations, including elementary discussion of tensors, exact solutions. Laminar boundary-layer theory; three-dimensional and compressible boundary layers. Laminar-flow instability theory; transition. Introduction to the mechanics of turbulence; turbulent free shear flows and boundary layers. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 523 (MECHENG 523). Computational Fluid Dynamics I
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 325 or preceded or accompanied by MECHENG 520. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Physical and mathematical foundations of computational fluid mechanics with emphasis on applications. Solution methods for model equations and the Euler and the Navier-Stokes equations. The finite volume formulation of the equations. Classification of partial differential equations and solution techniques. Truncation errors, stability, conservation, and monotonicity. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 524. Aerodynamics II
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 420. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Two- and three-dimensional potential flow about wings and bodies; complex-variable methods; singularity distributions; numerical solution using panel methods. Unsteady aerodynamics; slender-body theory. Viscous effects: airfoil stall, high-lift systems, boundary-layer control. Wings and bodies at transonic and supersonic speeds; numerical methods. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 525. Introduction to Turbulent Flows
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 522. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Mathematical description of turbulent flow phenomena. Flow equations, vorticity dynamics, Reynolds-averaged equations, engineering turbulence models. Theory of homogeneous turbulence, spectral dynamics. Shear flow turbulence, mean and fluctuating structure of free and wall-bounded turbulent flows. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 526. Hypersonic Aerothermodynamics
Advisory Prerequisite: Graduate standing or AEROSP 225 and AEROSP 325. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Hypersonic vehicles offer rapid air transportation and access to space. This course provides an introduction to the aerothermodynamics of hypersonic vehicles. Topics covered include: vehicle types (missiles, space planes, air-breathers); flight dynamics (trajectory, range, stability); aerothermodynamics (fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, aerodynamics, heating); and propulsion systems (scramjets, combined cycles). CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 527. Unsteady Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 325 or equivalent or permission of instructor. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Theoretical and numerical aspects of unsteady aerodynamics and aerodynamically-generated noise. Topics include vortex dynamics, steady and unsteady airfoil theory, indicial methods, unsteady compressible flow, basics of physical acoustics, sound generation by moving bodies and turbulence, combustion noise. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 530. Gas-Turbine Propulsion
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 335. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Advanced analysis of turbojet engines: effect of altitude parameters on engine performance; off-design equilibrium running of a turbojet engine; dynamics of engine considered as a quasi-static system; fluid mechanics of a rotating axial blade row; centrifugal compressors; transonic flow problems. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 532. Molecular Gas Dynamics
Advisory Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Analysis of basic gas properties at the molecular level. Kinetic theory: molecular collisions, the Boltzmann equation, Maxwellian distribution function. Quantum mechanics: the Schrodinger equation, quantum energy states for translation, rotation, vibration, and electronic models of atoms and molecules. Statistical mechanics: the Boltzmann relation, the Boltzmann energy distribution, partition functions. These ideas are combined for the analysis of a chemically reacting gas at the molecular level. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 533 (ENSCEN 533). Combustion Processes
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 225. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
This course covers the fundamentals of combustion systems and fire and explosion phenomena. Topics covered include thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, laminar flame propagation, detonations and explosions, flammability and ignition, spray combustion and the use of computer techniques in combustion problems. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 535. Rocket Propulsion
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 335. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Analysis of liquid and solid propellant rocket power plants; propellant thermochemistry, heat transfer, system considerations. Low-thrust rockets, multi-stage rockets, trajectories in powered flight, electric propulsion. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 536. Electric Propulsion
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 335, senior standing. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Introduction to electric propulsion with an overview of electricity and magnetism, atomic physics, non-equilibrium flows and electrothermal, electromagnetic and electrostatic electric propulsion systems. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 540 (MECHENG 540). Intermediate Dynamics
Advisory Prerequisite: MECHENG 240. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Newton/Euler and Lagrangian formulations for three-dimensional motion of particles and rigid bodies. Principles of dynamics applied to various rigid-body and multi-body dynamics problems that arise in aerospace and mechanical engineering. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 543. Structural Dynamics
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 315. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
A Natural frequencies and mode shapes of elastic bodies. Non-conservative elastic systems. Structural and viscous damping. Influence coefficient methods for typical flight structures. Response of structures to random and shock loads. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 544. Introduction to Aeroelasticity
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 315. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Vibration and flutter of elastic bodies exposed to fluid flow. Static divergence and flutter of airplane wings. Flutter of flat plates and thin walled cylinders at supersonic speeds. Oscillations of structures due to vortex shedding. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 545. Aeromechanics of Rotary Wing Vehicles
Advisory Prerequisite: Preceded by AEROSP 315 and AEROSP 325. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
This course deals with fundamental aspects of helicopter aerodynamics, performance, dynamics, stability and control, aeroelastic stability in flap-pitch, flap-lag and coupled flap-lag-torsion. Aeroelastic response in forward flight or the vibration problem is also considered. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 548. Astrodynamics
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 343 or graduate standing. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Review of two-body problem for spacecraft: orbital trajectories, transfers, targeting and time of flight. Orbit perturbation formulations and analysis. Restricted 3-body problem and applications. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 549. Orbital Analysis
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 548, AEROSP 540, or AEROSP 573, or permission of instructor. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
The analysis, characterization and determination of space trajectories from a dynamical systems viewpoint. The general formulation and solution of the spacecraft trajectory design and navigation problems. Computation of periodic orbits and their stability. Estimation of model parameters from spacecraft tracking data (e.g., gravity field estimation). Elements of precision modeling and precision orbit determination. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 550 (CEE 571) (ECE 560) (MECHENG 564). Linear Systems Theory
Advisory Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (4 credits)
Linear spaces and linear operators. Bases, subspaces, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, canonical forms. Linear differential and difference equations. Mathematical representations: state equations, transfer functions, impulse response, matrix fraction and polynomial descriptions. System-theoretic concepts: causality, controllability, observability, realizations, canonical decomposition, stability. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 551 (ECE 562). Nonlinear Systems and Control
Advisory Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Introduction to the analysis and design of nonlinear systems and nonlinear control systems. Stability analysis using Liapunov, input-output and asymptotic methods. Design of stabilizing controllers using a variety of methods: linearization, absolute stability theory, vibrational control, sliding modes and feedback linearization. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 552. Aerospace Information Systems
Advisory Prerequisite: ENGR 101 and MATH 216, or graduate standing. Enforced Prerequisite: AEROSP 350. Minimum grade requirement of “C-” for enforced prerequisite. (3 credits)
Information systems for Aerospace applications. Data abstraction, elementary data structures. Graphs, automata theory. Life cycle models, validation & verification. Deterministic search algorithms. Decision making under uncertainty; review of probability theory, introduction to information theory, Bayesian Networks, Markov chains, Markov Decision Processes. Substantial code development in a traditional programming language. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 566. Data Analysis and System Identification
Advisory Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Methods of data analysis and empirical modeling. Sensors and measurement concepts. Time and frequency data analysis; statistical and spectral concepts. Linear regression and identification of time-series models. Parameter estimation using optimization. Basis-function expansions and nonlinear time series identification. Eigensystem realization and subspace identification. Nonlinear state space identification. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 567. Inference, Estimation, and Learning
Advisory and Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Theory and algorithms for synthesizing models and data for general applications across science and engineering. Topics include algorithms for maximum likelihood estimation, Bayesian inference, and regression for static inference problems and for estimation in dynamical systems. Theoretical foundations of the algorithms and projects that focus on implementation. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 573. Dynamics and Control of Spacecraft
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 470 or graduate standing. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Introduction to spacecraft dynamics and control. Spacecraft orbit and attitude representations, kinematics, dynamics. Perturbation equations for near circular orbits. Spacecraft maneuvers formulated and solved as control problems. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 574 (SPACE 574). Introduction to Space Physics
Advisory Prerequisite: None. Enforced Prerequisite: Senior and Above. (4 credits)
A graduate level introduction to physical and aeronomical processes in the space environment. Discussion of theoretical tools, the Sun, solar wind, heliosphere, magnetosphere, ionosphere and the upper atmosphere. Spacecraft interaction with radiation, spacecraft-plasma interactions. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 575. Flight and Trajectory Optimization
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 470 or graduate standing. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Formulation and solution of optimization problems for atmospheric flight vehicles and space flight vehicles. Optimality criteria, constraints, vehicle dynamics. Flight and trajectory optimization as problems of nonlinear programming, calculus of variations and optimal control. Algorithms and software for solution of flight and trajectory optimization problems. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 577. Data-driven & Reduced Complexity Modeling
Advisory Prerequisite: Good background in Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Review of Linear Algebra and Probability; Linear and Kernel Regression; Discovery of dynamical systems and PDEs from data; Statistical Learning Theory; Dimensionality reduction & Manifold Learning; Variational Inference & Variational Autoencoders; Compression/Sensing/Reconstruction; Projection-based Reduced Order Modeling. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 579. Control of Structures and Fluids
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 470 or graduate standing. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Control-oriented modeling of structural and fluid-structure systems. Fixed-gain and adaptive disturbance rejection for vibration suppression. Application to aeroelastic flutter, limit-cycle oscillations, and gust alleviation. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 580. Linear-Quadratic Feedback Control
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 550. Enforced Prerequisite: None. Credit Exclusion: Students may not receive credit for both AEROSP 580 and EECS 565. (3 credits)
Standard problem for state space and transfer function models. Specialization to the basic servo loop with feedback and feedforward control. Pole placement. Internal model principle for commands and disturbances. Stability, norms, and solution of the Lyapunov equation. Treatment of the linear-quadratic regulator and linear-quadratic-Gaussian controllers. Analysis of the Riccati equation. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 581 (SPACE 581). Space Policy and Management
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
The first part of the course will provide detailed information on how space policy is developed in the United States and the international space community, and how these policies result in specific missions. The second part will provide detailed information on modern management techniques and processes. Project managers from NASA centers and industry will lecture on the detailed management techniques and processes. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 582 (SPACE 582). Spacecraft Technology
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (4 credits)
Systematic and comprehensive review of spacecraft and space mission design and key technologies for space missions. Discussions on project management and the economic and political factors that affect space missions. Specific space mission designs are developed in teams. Students of AERO 483/583 choose their projects based on these designs. Projects are overseen/graded by faculty and may involve mentoring by representatives from external organizations. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 583 (SPACE 583). Management of Space Systems Design
Advisory Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (4 credits)
Students lead teams in high level project design of a space system. Modern methods of concurrent engineering manufacturing, marketing and finance, etc., are incorporated. Projects are overseen and graded by faculty and may also involve mentoring by representatives from industrial, governmental and/or non-profit organizations. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 584. Avionics, Navigation and Guidance of Aerospace Vehicles
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 470 or graduate standing. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Principles of aerospace navigation and guidance. Deterministic and stochastic linear perturbation theory. Position fixing and celestial navigation with redundant measurements. Recursive navigation and Kalman filtering. Pursuit guidance, proportional navigation, ballistic guidance and velocity-to-be-gained guidance. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 585. Aerospace Engineering Seminar
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 285 or senior standing. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (1 credit)
A series of seminars by noted speakers designed to acquaint graduate and undergraduate students with contemporary research and technological issues in the aerospace industry. Involves a short term paper pertinent to one of the seminar topics. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 588. Multidisciplinary Design Optimization
Advisory Prerequisite: MATH 419 or equivalent; MATH 371 or equivalent; graduate standing. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Introduction to numerical optimization and its application to the design of aerospace systems, including: mathematical formulation of multidisciplinary design problems, overview of gradient-based and gradient-free algorithms, optimality conditions (unconstrained and constrained, Pareto optimality), sensitivity analysis and multidisciplinary problem decomposition. No background in aerospace is required. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 590. Directed Study
Advisory Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (1-6 credits)
Study of advanced aspects of aerospace engineering directed by an Aerospace Engineering faculty member. Primarily for graduates. The student will submit a final report. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 597 (SPACE 597). Fundamentals of Space Plasma Physics
Advisory Prerequisite: Senior-level statistical Physics course. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Basic plasma concepts, Boltzmann equation, higher order moments equations, MHD equations, double adiabatic theory. Plasma expansion to vacuum, transonic flows, solar wind, polar wind. Collisionless shocks, propagating and planetary shocks. Fokker-Planck equation, quasilinear theory, velocity diffusion, cosmic ray transport, shock acceleration. Spacecraft charging, mass loading. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
600 Level Courses
AEROSP 611. Advanced Topics in Finite Element Structural Analysis
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 511 or MECHENG 605. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Cyclic symmetry, design sensitivities and optimization. Applications to stress analysis, vibration, heat conduction, centrifugal effects, buckling. Introduction to high-level matrix-oriented programming languages (e.g., Direct Matrix Abstraction Program). Use of a large, general purpose finite element code as a research tool. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 614. Advanced Theory of Plates and Shells
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 416. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Differential geometry of surfaces. Linear and nonlinear plate and shell theories in curvilinear coordinates. Anisotropic and laminated shells. Stability and post-buckling behavior. Finite element techniques, including special considerations for collapse analysis. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 615 (CEE 617) (MECHENG 649). Random Vibrations
Advisory Prerequisite: MATH 425 or equivalent, CEE 513 or MECHENG 541 or AEROSP 543 or equivalent. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Introduction to concepts of random vibration with applications in civil, mechanical and aerospace engineering. Topics include: characterization of random processes and random fields, calculus of random processes, applications of random vibrations to linear dynamical systems, brief discussion on applications to nonlinear dynamical systems. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 618. Theory of Elastic Stability II
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 518 or equivalent and graduate standing. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Koiter’s theory for buckling, post-buckling, mode interaction and imperfection sensitivity behavior in nonlinear solids. Applications to thin-walled beams, cylindrical and spherical shells as well as to 3-D hyperelastic solids. Loss of ellipticity in finitely strained solids. Hill’s theory on bifurcation, uniqueness and post-bifurcation analysis in elastic-plastic solids with applications. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 623. Computational Fluid Dynamics II
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 523 or equivalent, substantial computer programming experience. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Advanced mathematical and physical concepts in computational fluid dynamics, with applications to one- and two-dimensional compressible flow. Euler and Navier-Stokes equations, numerical flux functions, boundary conditions, monotonicity, marching in time, marching to a steady state, grid generation. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 625. Advanced Topics in Turbulent Flows
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 525. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Fundamentals of turbulent shear flows, with emphasis on dimensional reasoning and similarity scaling. Development of laminar shear flows, instability and transition to turbulent flow, kinetic and scalar energy transport mechanisms in turbulent shear flows, critical examination of numerical methods for turbulent flows, comparisons with experiments. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 627. Advanced Gas Dynamics
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 520, AEROSP 522. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Linear and nonlinear surface waves. Flow instabilities; nonlinear stability analysis. Vorticity dynamics: vortex motions, instabilities and breakdown. Boundary layers: steady and unsteady interactions; nonlinear instability. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 633. Advanced Combustion
Advisory Prerequisite: AEROSP 533. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (3 credits)
Thermodynamics of gas mixtures, chemical kinetics, conservation equations for multi-component reacting gas mixtures, deflagration and detonation waves. Nozzle flows and boundary layers with reaction and diffusion. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 650. Aerospace Enterprise Leadership
Advisory Prerequisite: None. Enforced Prerequisite: Declaration in MEng program in Global Aerospace Leadership. (1.5 credits)
Leadership, strategic technology, and critical business skills essential to leading and managing large technical teams and operations, with a focus on the Aerospace Enterprise. Provides teachings and coaching on role-model leadership behaviors through instructor lectures, case study analyses, and thoughts and perspectives from senior leaders in industry, government, and academia. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 656. Technical Project Management & Leadership Skills for Engineers
Advisory Prerequisite: None. Enforced Prerequisite: Declaration in MEng program in Global Aerospace Leadership. (1.5 credits)
Provides essential project management skills and tools. Topics range from initiating projects and project planning through project execution, control, and close-out. Emphasizes commonly used tools and their practical application along with the interpersonal skills to successfully manage complex technical projects. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 690. Financial Analysis for Non-Finance Managers
Advisory Prerequisite: None. Enforced Prerequisite: Declaration in MEng program in Global Aerospace Leadership. (1 credit)
Explores decision-making frameworks using evaluation tools to evaluate the impact and efficacy of different projects. Takes a deep dive into valuation at the firm level, getting to grips with new techniques and mechanisms to estimate the value of an enterprise. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
700 Level Courses
AEROSP 714. Special Topics in Structural Mechanics
Advisory Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (1-16 credits)
CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 729. Special Topics in Gas Dynamics
Advisory Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (1-16 credits)
Advanced topics of current interest. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 740. Special Topics in Flight Dynamics and Control Systems
Advisory and Enforced Prerequisite: None. (1-16 credits)
CourseProfile (ATLAS)
800 Level Courses
AEROSP 800. Seminar
Advisory and Enforced Prerequisite: None. (1-16 credits)
AEROSP 820. Seminar in Aerodynamics
Advisory and Enforced Prerequisite: None. (1-16 credits)
AEROSP 840. Dynamics and Control Systems
Advisory and Enforced Prerequisite: None. (1-16 credits)
900 Level Courses
AEROSP 990. Dissertation/Pre-Candidate
Advisory Prerequisite: Advanced doctoral student. Enforced Prerequisite: None. (1-8 credits)
Dissertation work by doctoral student not yet admitted to status as candidate. The defense of the dissertation, that is, the final oral examination, must be held under a full-term candidacy enrollment. CourseProfile (ATLAS)
AEROSP 995. Dissertation/Candidate
Advisory Prerequisite: None. Enforced Prerequisite: Graduate School authorization for admission as a doctoral candidate. (4-8 credits)
Election for dissertation work by a doctoral student who has been admitted to candidate status. The defense of the dissertation, that is, the final oral examination, must be held under a full-term candidacy enrollment. CourseProfile (ATLAS)