MECH ENG 4100 - Advanced Topics in Aerospace Engineering

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2025

This student-centred course propels aspiring aerospace engineers into the intricacies of aircraft stability, equipping them to shape the future of flight. Through a dynamic blend of online and in-person lectures, tutorials, and workshops, students embark on a transformative journey that unlocks their potential to innovate and create. Gain insight into the factors that influence aircraft equilibrium, deciphering static stability intricacies that drive design decisions. Navigate the complex realm of 3D aircraft motion with mastery of rigid body dynamics, a cornerstone for advanced control systems. Analyse pitch axis oscillations to ensure seamless longitudinal dynamics and delve into lateral stability for optimised roll and yaw control. Overcome flexibility-induced issues, confront the challenges of aeroelasticity, and harmonize aerodynamics and structural dynamics expertise. Transcend theory by applying principles to real-world problems, honing the skills to innovate and excel in aerospace engineering. Embrace a flexible and immersive learning environment that blends online and in-person engagement. Engage with dynamic lectures, and collaborate in interactive tutorials, and workshops. Demonstrate your mastery through assignments, quizzes, and a comprehensive semester-end examination. These assessments will gauge your grasp of the intricate concepts, ensuring you're ready to conquer the aerospace engineering frontier. Upon successful completion of this course, you will possess a robust toolkit to navigate the complexities of aircraft stability and dynamics. You'll be primed to solve practical flight dynamics challenges and steer aircraft toward new performance frontiers.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MECH ENG 4100
    Course Advanced Topics in Aerospace Engineering
    Coordinating Unit Mechanical Engineering
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Incompatible MECH ENG 7063
    Assumed Knowledge MECH ENG 2019
    Assessment Assignments, Quizzes, Exam
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Rey Chin

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

     
    1 Analyse the static stability of aircraft;
    2 Calculate and use the rigid body equations of motion for an aircraft;
    3 Analyse the longitudinal dynamic stability of aircraft;
    4 Analyse the lateral dynamic stability of aircraft;
    5 Analyse aircraft aeroelasticity; ;
    6 Apply the principles learned during the advanced topics sections (e.g. turbulence control, etc).

     
    The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia Entry to Practice Competency Standard for the Professional Engineer. The course develops the following EA Elements of Competency to levels of introductory (A), intermediate (B), advanced (C):  
     
    1.11.21.31.41.51.62.12.22.32.43.13.23.33.43.53.6
    A A C C B C C C C A C C B B C
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1-4

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1-4

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    5, 6

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    5, 6

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1-4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    • Course Notes

    • Flight Stability and Automatic Control”, Robert C. Nelson. McGraw Hill Book Company, 1998 [629.13236 N429f] {and also at Unibooks}

    Recommended Resources
    • Mechanics of Flight”, Warren F. Phillips, Wiley, 2004 [629.1323 P564m]

    • Flight Mechanics”, A. Miele, Addison-Wesley Pub. Co, 1962 [629.132 M631]

    • Other reading material will be given out in class or available on myUni.

    Online Learning

    This course will make heavy use of the resources placed on myUni by the Instructors. Please make sure you check the course myUni page at least weekly.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    Lectures supported by tutorials and workshops.

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    In addition to the lectures and tutorials, you are expected to spend approximately 10-12 hours a week studying for this course.

    Learning Activities Summary

    Week 1: Introduction, review of background material

    Week 2:Point and distributed mass models

    Week 3: Small disturbance theory

    Week 4: Static stability

    Week 5: Longitudinal motion

    Week 6: Longitudinal and lateral motion

    Week 7: Lateral motion

    Weeks 8-12: Advanced Topics

    Specific Course Requirements

    None

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Weighting (%) Individual/ Group Formative/ Summative
    Due (week)*
    Hurdle criteria Learning outcomes
    Assignment 1 10 Individual Summative 1. 3. 
    Assignment 2 10 Individual Summative 1. 2. 3. 4.
    Assignment 3 10 Individual Summative 2. 3. 4. 6.
    Assignment 4 10 Individual Summative  3. 4. 
    Quizzes 10 Individual Summative 5. 6. 
    Final Exam 50 Individual Summative 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 
    Total 100 `
    * The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.
     
    This assessment breakdown complies with the University's Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy.
    Assessment Related Requirements

    Students must achieve a mark greater than 49% to pass.

    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission

    Submit all assignments vis myUni or as otherwise indicated by teaching staff.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.