Overview
Aeronautical engineering is the branch of the engineering which deals with flight – specifically the machines which allow us to fly. A degree in the subject, therefore, is ideal for those with their head in the clouds!It is a discipline with a long history – after all, flying has always held a certain appeal. We’ve certainly come a long way from Leonardo Da Vinci’s early sketches of conceptual flying machines, through the primitive experiments that eventually led to the Wright brothers’ famous flight of 1903, to eventually reach the sophistication of modern flying machines.
As with other branches of engineering, you will need to gain an initial grounding in mathematics and physics first, as well as other essentials such as mechanics and electronics which are essential when it comes to designing and building the modern day flying machine.
After this, you’ll learn how aircraft work in detail, and learn how to participate in the industry. Finally, you can move on to tackling some of the problems and challenges posed by flying – no matter how far we’ve come, there’s still plenty of scope for improvement.
You can look at things like materials, controls and – of increasing significance – how to make the process of flight more environmentally sound.
As with all scientific disciplines, the further you get along, the more scope there is for pursuing your own personal interests.
Specialization
A few examples of specializations (certainly not an exhaustive list) available within the field of aeronautical engineering are:Aerodynamics: So you’ve made a huge chunk of metal stay thousands of feet above the ground. It is pretty important that this chunk of metal is the best possible shape – which is the role of aerodynamics. This is a field in which constant improvements are being made, allowing for faster, larger or more environmentally-friendly aircraft.
Astronautical engineering: Astronautical engineering is the branch of aeronautical engineering concerning spaceflight – perhaps to call it a specialization isn’t quite right as it’s a whole subject in itself, with plenty of its own specializations related to the unique challenges of spaceflight. With the imminent dawn of commercial space travel, this is an exciting time for astronautical engineers.
Intelligent systems: Huge improvements in artificial intelligence and intelligent systems have naturally had a massive effect on the aeronautical engineering world. From the development of unmanned air and spacecraft to the optimization of the design process, the applications of these kinds of technology to aeronautical engineering are nearly limitless.
Fuels and fuel systems: To get up into sky, a great deal of energy is required. This, in combination with the increasing rarity of the things we know can be used for this purpose mean that the study of fuels is increasingly important. One key area for the future will be looking at alternative sources of energy. This area of aeronautical engineering also looks at the ways in which fuel is delivered.
Career Options
In order to pursue a career in aeronautical engineering, you will need to study the subject at graduate level due to the level of specialization required (make sure you study a professionally accredited course too). For the same reason, undergraduate programs often last longer than non-engineering disciplines.Many programs will offer you the opportunity to study for a master’s degree from the beginning, without having to graduate and apply again.
Aeronautical engineering is big business, so career prospects are strong and your options will be numerous. Whether you want to get your hands dirty, design or consult, there is plenty of scope in the commercial, scientific and military sectors (in the last of these, you can also deal with weaponry if you’re so inclined).
Engineering management is a popular path for aeronautical engineers, and there is always the option of a research career if you want to really push the boundaries of what’s possible. And if you want to inspire the next generation of aeronautical engineering, you can teach.
If you only do a bachelor’s degree, you will be afforded plenty of scope to change discipline as a result of the numerical, mechanical and scientific knowledge.
Whatever you do, it will be essential for you to keep up with developments in the field throughout your career.
Key Skills
Some of the skills you will get from studying aeronautical engineering are:
- Working as part of a team
- Attention to detail
- Interdisciplinary skills, including expertise in mechanics, engineering and physics
- A sound framework for lifelong learning
- The ability to identify and tackle complex technical challenges
- Industry orientated thinking
- A critical approach to problems
- An awareness of pertinent environmental issues
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