Introduction to Aerospace Design 

Module Lead

Prof Ali Elham

Tutors

Gary Underwood
Franziska Conrad
Dr Lyndon Buck
Dr Tim Woolman
Dr Ara Khodavirdi
Dr Maria Stagno Navarra
Dr Sifeng Bi
Carl Leroy-Smith

This module provides students with a comprehensive introduction to aerospace design by blending technical knowledge, creativity, and hands-on skills. Students learn the full design process, from design requirements to concept development, geometry modelling, and, eventually, creating a scaled model of their own design. The module emphasises sustainable, ethical, and inclusive design, focusing on human and environmental factors alongside historical and contemporary case studies that inspire innovative thinking.

Students develop teamwork and communica­ tion skills through leadership and collaboration exercises, presenting their work effectively in verbal, visual, and written formats.

Practical skills in CAD and manufacturing techniques, including parametric modelling and 3D printing, are taught, culminating in the fabrication of a scaled prototype of the students’ own aircraft design.

Aerospace-specific content covers aircraft conceptual design at both system and com­ ponent levels, with students using tools like OpenVSP and Python for aircraft synthesis, aerodynamic analysis, weight estimation and mission evaluation. Key topics include fuselage, wing, propulsion, empennage and landing gear design, offering students a well-rounded understanding of aircraft conceptual design. By the end of the module, students gain critical design, modelling, and prototyping skills, laying the foundation for further studies in aerospace engineering.