Aerodynamics & Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), M.S. Aerospace Engineering

[Faculty: Drs. Eric Besnard, Hsun Chen, Hamid Hefazi, and Hamid Rahai]

This program emphasizes the study of: (a) applied aerodynamics and aerodynamic design in various speed regimes, and (b) computational methods and tools for fluid dynamics. Advanced topics include: hypersonic flow, computational fluid dynamics I & II, advanced fluid dynamics I & II, and aeroelasticity. Students have the opportunity to get involved with state-of-the-art research projects such as aerospike nozzle design, ship hydrodynamics, laminar flow control, aeroelastic analysis, and aircraft deicing.

Undergraduate Background

The following courses constitute the foundations of undergraduate aerospace (AE) and mechanical engineering (ME) education. Students who have not taken these courses, or their equivalents, such as students with undergraduate degrees other than AE and ME (e.g., other engineering majors, computer science, physics and mathematics) will be required to take them as prerequisites.

Programming and Numerical Analysis

MAE 205, Computer Methods in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

MAE 305, Numerical Methods in Mechanical Engineering

General Engineering Courses

CE 205, Analytical Mechanics I (Statics)

MAE 330, Engineering Thermodynamics

MAE 333, Engineering Fluid Mechanics

MAE 371, Analytical Mechanics II (Dynamics)

MAE 373, Mechanics of Deformable Bodies

Requirements (Effective 2007/2008 Catalog Year)

Completion of a minimum of 30 (for PLAN I) or 36 units (for PLAN II) beyond the bachelor's degree in graduate courses approved by the Department's Graduate Studies Committee, including:

1. A minimum of four (4) core courses in the area of Aerodynamics and CFD.
2. A minimum of two (2) advanced engineering mathematics courses beyond basic calculus, basic differential equations, and linear algebra.
3. A minimum of two (2) technical elective courses for PLAN I, or a minimum of four (4) technical elective courses for PLAN II, selected from approved upper division or graduate courses.
4. Completion of a thesis (6 units of MAE 698) for PLAN I, or completion of a directed research project (6 units of MAE 697) for PLAN II.

Program Units

Requirements	Plan I	Plan II
Math	6 units	6 units
Core	12 units	12 units
Electives	6 units	12 units
Thesis or Directed Research	6 units Thesis	6 units Directed Research
Total	30	36

Math: MAE 501 (3), MAE 502 (3)

Core Courses: MAE 533, 535/435, 537, 633, 635/735, 637, 638 , 639 (all are 3 units)

Electives: (core courses not taken)

MAE 530/430, 531, 536, 551/451, 582, 642

Thesis: MAE 698

Directed Research: MAE 697

Research Subjects

• Nozzle Design
• Ship Hydrodynamics
• Transition Prediction and Laminar Flow Control
• Aeroelastic Analysis
• Aircraft Icing Prediction
• Flow over High-Lift Devices
• Turbomachinery
• Vortex Flows