2013-2014 Graduate Catalog Downloadable PDF (10.71MB)

Course Descriptions/Aerospace Engineering 321AggieSat Lab Student Satellite Program. The department has a two-observatory facility on the groundsof the Physics Department’s Astronomy Teaching Observatory, which is used for research on fine resolutioninterferometric imaging of space objects via photonic quantum correlations.Investigations of materials and structural mechanics problems are undertaken in the Center for Mechanicsof Composites. Research on nanomaterials, multifunctional material systems, multiscale modelingand integrated adaptive structures is coordinated by the Texas Institute for Intelligent Materialsand Structures for Aerospace Vehicles (TiiMS). Research in the Electroactive Materials CharacterizationLaboratory focuses on processing-microstructure-property relationships in smart materials withthe goal of developing new materials with unique combinations of mechanical, electrical and coupledproperties for uses that range from advanced electronic devices and autonomous system concepts to theaerospace, automotive, medical and consumer industries.Numerical simulations of complex fluid and solid mechanics problems are efficiently obtained withuniversity and supporting departmental computational facilities.Courses relating to structural mechanics and materials listed at the end of this section are containedwithin the Dwight Look College of Engineering listing. The mechanics and materials courses areadministered by the Department of Aerospace Engineering and are taught by faculty from the Departmentsof Aerospace, Civil and Mechanical Engineering. A foreign language is not required for any ofthe aerospace degree programs.Aerospace Engineering(AERO)601. Principles of Fluid Motion. (4-0). Credit 4. Formulation of equations of motion for fluid flow; theoreticaland numerical solution methods for potential (ideal) flow; application to thin and thick airfoiland wing aerodynamics; complex variable methods for potential flow. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.602. The Theory of Fluid Mechanics. (3-3). Credit 4. Entry-level graduate course on the theory of fluidmechanics, with emphasis on viscous subsonic flows; concepts of boundary layer theory, flow stability,transition and turbulence; laboratory includes elements of measurement techniques, numerical methodsand physical modeling. Prerequisite: MATH 601 or registration therein.603. Continuum Mechanics. (3-0). Credit 3. Development of field equations for analysis of continua (solidsas well as fluids); conservation laws; kinematics, constitutive behavior of solids and fluids; applicationsto aerospace engineering problems involving solids and fluids. Prerequisite: Graduate classification.Cross-listed with MEMA 602.605. Theory of Elasticity. (3-0). Credit 3. Analysis of stress and strain in two- and three-dimensions,equilibrium and compatibility equations, strain energy methods; torsion of noncircular sections; flexure,axially symmetric problems. Prerequisite: graduate or senior undergraduate standing. Cross-listed withMEMA 601 and MEEN 603.606. Multifunctional Materials. (3-0). Credit 3. In-depth analysis of multifunctional materials and composites,and their novel applications. Prerequisites: MEMA 601 or MEMA 602/AERO 603, MSEN 601or MEMA 609. Cross-listed with MEMA 606 and MSEN 606.608. Nanomechanics. (3-0). Credit 3. Application of mechanics concepts to nano-scale behavior of materials.Review of continuum mechanics; Extensions to generalized continua; Nonlocal elasticity; Nano-scaleplasticity. Focus on multi-scale modeling: Dislocation Dynamics; Quasi-Continuum method;Molecular dynamics with introductions to quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. Prerequisite:AERO 603 or MEMA 601. Cross-listed with MEMA 608 and MSEN 608.609. Sustainability Metrics and Life Cycle Assessment in Engineering. (3-0). Credit 3. Concepts ofsustainability with associated metrics; application of systems engineering tools to facilitate assessmentof viable options on products and processes; assessment of impact on the entire biosphere; product lifecycle analysis. Prerequisite: Graduate classification.612. Wave Propagation in Isotropic and Anisotropic Solids. (3-0). Credit 3. Mathematical and experimentalmethods of studying stress waves with emphasis on anisotropic solids, e.g., fiber-reinforcedcomposite materials; waves in an unbounded medium, in a half-space, in rods; waves in a general anisotropicmedium; wave surface, slowness surface, velocity surface, energy velocity and group velocity.Prerequisites: MEMA 601 or AERO 603. Cross-listed with MEMA 612.615. Numerical Methods for Internal Flow. (3-0). Credit 3. Methods for solving internal flow problems;viscous and inviscid compressible flow, Euler/Navier Stokes solvers, boundary conditions. Prerequisite:MATH 601 or approval of instructor.