Pursuing a Career in Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering is the main field of engineering mainly concerned with the design and development of spacecraft and aircraft. It also includes an aerospace vehicle or space vehicle development. It actually has two main and overlapping branches: astronautical and aeronautical engineering. Space vehicle or aerospace vehicle development is closely related to aeronautical engineering, but it deals more with the hardware side of aerospace engineering
There are several prominent aerospace engineering techniques and technologies in use all over the world. All these are based on the principle of flight. Various flight techniques are used in aircraft, such as surface airflow control, angle of attack, weight balance and control surface air drag.
Several aerospace engineering concepts like aerodynamic stability, which involves the use of various techniques to create a stable flight, are used to reduce energy consumption and associated costs during flight. This helps to extend the useful life of the aircraft.
One important branch of aerospace engineering is fluid dynamics. Fluid dynamics is concerned mainly with how a fluid flows. It is used in aircraft structures to provide for the necessary resistance to the flow of air and fuel, as well as controlling the overall shape of the aircraft. The main areas of fluid dynamics research are air-flow analysis, dynamic stability, and the use of aerodynamic lasing. Aerodynamics is concerned mainly with studying the effect of air on objects, and their interaction.
The aerospace engineering technology that uses advanced Materials Science includes Composite Materials Science, which is responsible for developing highly efficient and lightweight materials. They use this knowledge to develop new materials for aerospace engineering requirements. Advanced composite materials also need innovative designs and high-tech manufacturing techniques. Many aerospace engineers also perform wind tunnel testing to check the effectiveness of airflow.
Another branch of aerospace engineering is found with Aerospace Structures. This encompasses all the tools and techniques needed to create aircraft. It includes airframe, spacecraft, engines, landing gear, armaments, and much more. The purpose of this engineering branch is to make sure that the aircraft will remain airworthy throughout the flight, and that it can withstand harsh weather conditions as well.
Aerospace structural engineers are required by the aerospace engineering industry to design and test new aircraft, as well as retrofit and evaluate existing aircraft. They are also responsible for making sure the integrity of the aircraft is not compromised. For example, when designing a new aircraft, they must research and test many different aspects of the aircraft, such as wing materials and stiffness, in order to ensure that the aircraft will remain airworthy throughout the flight.
Students interested in aerospace engineering may choose to pursue several undergraduate degree programs. They range from associate’s degrees to bachelor’s degrees in this field. Some students decide to pursue their Bachelor’s degree online. The online bachelor’s degree programs provide students with flexible schedules that meet the needs of busy professionals. There are many colleges and universities that offer online degree programs in aerospace engineering, including the University of Colorado – Boulder, Michigan State University, Arizona State University, and North-eastern University.
Students who complete an aerospace engineering bachelor’s degree often join the Air Force. In most cases, these aerospace engineers must go through enlistment in military service. After completing an enlistment, these engineers must be promoted through various levels of the Air Force.
The ranks range from major to minor and include radio operators, intelligence analysts, strategic planners, weather technicians, and bomb disposal experts. Further, these same professionals may choose to go on to become officers in the Navy, Army, or Marines. Those interested in pursuing a career as an aerospace engineer must be able to meet the requirements of their prospective employers.
