ERAU Aerospace Engineering

The primary focus of the Aerospace Engineering major is on the engineering of mission-oriented vehicles for atmospheric and space flight. Basic coursework concentrates on scientific theory applied to engineering. Through class work and laboratory experience, students learn to design, analyze, and test aerospace systems. Among the best and most respected aerospace engineering programs in the nation, U.S.News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges ranks the Prescott Campus Aerospace Engineering program in the top three for Aerospace, Aeronautical, Astronautical Engineering Programs (at schools whose highest degree is a master’s).

At the end of the sophomore year, students who want to customize their program can do so by selecting the Aeronautics Option (aeronautical engineering) or the Astronautics Option (astronautical engineering). This culminates in the senior capstone design series, in which students carry out and defend the conceptual design of an aircraft or space system in an industry-like environment. They work on teams to develop a component design that is sufficiently detailed for the manufacturing process, including material specifications and cost parameters.

Students in the Aerospace Engineering major have access to modern equipment and tools used in engineering analysis, design, and production – all devoted to the undergraduate curriculum. Facilities include the Aerospace Experimentation and Fabrication building (AXFAB), focused around fabrication and experimental facilities. In the Materials Science lab, students study metals and composites used in modern aircraft construction. In the Rapid Prototyping Lab, Aerospace Engineering students create 3-D composite plastic models within hours, using CAD (computer-aided design) instructions. This process will mold a prototype, test it, and fly it in the wind and smoke tunnels. Other labs include the Fabrication Suite, Materials Testing, Structures, Structural Dynamics, Space Systems, and Composites.

The wind tunnel building has three labs that include aerodynamics, propulsion and thermal/fluid. The aerodynamics lab houses four wind tunnels – three subsonic and one supersonic. Aerospace Engineering students perform experiments in wind tunnels to measure flow conditions and investigate aerodynamic phenomena. The thermal/fluids lab has a water tunnel for flow visualization used to demonstrate fluid flow and thermodynamic behavior. The propulsion laboratory houses the micro-turbojet used in the rockets and turbines course. Advanced propulsion is also studied in this lab.

For the most detailed, up-to-date academic information about the Aerospace Engineering program, download a copy of the Embry-Riddle catalog at

http://www.aviationcollegeembryriddle.com/catalogs