Introduction to Space Exploration

课程简介

/ Indicative Syllabus This class introduces the basics of aeronautics and astronautics through applied physics, hands-on activities, and real-world examples. Students will be exposed to the history and challenges of aeronautics and astronautics. (3 lectures) Introduction: History of aerospace, atmosphere, classification of aerospace vehicles, basic components of aircrafts and spacecraft, vehicle control surfaces and systems, introduction to aerospace sector, major aerospace industry and manufacturers. Flight Principle: Significance of speed of sound, standard atmosphere, Bernoulli’s principle, aerodynamic forces acting on aircrafts and spacecraft, aerofoil nomenclature, pressure and velocity distribution, aerodynamic forces, generation of lift and drag, supersonic effects, aerodynamic centre, aspect ratio, centre of pressure, centre of gravity. (2 lectures) Aerospace Propulsion: Propulsion systems, classifications of propulsion system, location and principle of operation. Basic principle of aircraft and spacecraft thrust production, Brayton cycle and Humphrey cycle, jet engines, propeller engines, rocket engines, Ramjet and Scramjet. (2 lectures) Spacecraft structural, mechanical, and thermal design: Fundamentals of aerospace structures; aerospace materials; understanding of structural failure modes. External and internal loads in aerospace structures; strength of mechanical components with emphasis on failure and fatigue design. Thermal protections from extremely high and cold temperatures; thermal cycling from moving through sunlight and shadow. (4 lectures) Launch vehicles and Satellites: Launch vehicle dynamics, basic orbital mechanics, history of satellite engineering, satellite applications and orbits, GMAT software, satellite subsystems, space debris removal, mission design philosophy, space environment, closed-loop problem solving management, environmental tests. (2 lectures): Perception for unmanned autonomous systems Mars and Lunar explorations; Control for unmanned autonomous systems Mars and Lunar explorations; Future challenges in aerospace engineering; Introduction for unmanned autonomous systems (UAS) Mars and Lunar explorations. -- 2 of 5 -- 3

目标

This subject aims to provide students: • a basic understanding of space exploration; • a fundamental concept of the propulsion and the mechanics of aerospace vehicles; • a fundamental understanding of the satellite operations; • a fundamental understanding of the challenges and opportunities brought by space missions; and • an opportunity to fulfil English reading and English writing requirements.

先修要求

/ Co-requisite/ Exclusion Nil [AAE students are allowed to take this subject.]

Teaching Pattern