What is Aerospace engineering: Definition and 275 Discussions

Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned with the development of aircraft and spacecraft. It has two major and overlapping branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering. Avionics engineering is similar, but deals with the electronics side of aerospace engineering.
"Aeronautical engineering" was the original term for the field. As flight technology advanced to include vehicles operating in outer space, the broader term "aerospace engineering" has come into use. Aerospace engineering, particularly the astronautics branch, is often colloquially referred to as "rocket science".

View More On Wikipedia.org
  1. Gjmdp

    Studying Is it worth studying Aerospace engineering for Astronomy?

    I want to be an astrophysicist. Physics and Astronomy are my passions, my love. But, I also love Aerospace engineering, and there's no way I can just have this passion as a mere hobby. So, do you think that studying a Master on Aerospace engineering will be worth for being an Astrophysicist...
  2. Alexandros101

    Programs Physics/CS DMajor, for a career in Aerospace?

    I want to get into Aerospace engineering, so I am thinking of doing: B.A. in Physics/CS (hopefully if I get accepted in UChicago) then an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering (hopefully in Stanford/GTech/MIT/CalTech) Is the double major I am thinking of poor if I want to do an Aero M.S. next? Would...
  3. ramzerimar

    Is Machine Design important for Aerospace Engineering?

    I'm a Mechanical Engineering student intending to pursue a Master's Degree in Aeronautical Engineering after college, and Machine Design is one of the disciplines I'm going to take next year. I understand the importance of various topics in mechanical engineering to an aircraft project (topics...
  4. navierstokes

    Engineering Career Path: From MechE to Aerospace Engineering

    I know that aerospace engineering is a branch of mechanical engineering, and as a student of mechanical engineering myself, I'm curious to know what kind of knowledge a MechE coming out of a Bachelor's Degree should have if he wants to start working with aircraft (or pursuing a Master's Degree...
  5. D

    Schools Aerospace Engineering Colleges

    Hey! I am thinking about majoring in aerospace engineering, and am starting to research colleges. I thought it would be helpful to get some information from current aerospace engineers or students. What college did you go to, and what did you like about it? Thanks :)
  6. Titan97

    Courses What is the scope for aerospace engineering?

    I am planning to join an undergraduate course in aerospace engineering. There are not much jobs in my country. I wish to do further studies in other countries (I don't want to stay here). I heard that getting jobs in other countries will be difficult because you need citizenship to work in their...
  7. Ian Baughman

    Physics vs Engineering: Making a Decision

    So I know that this kind of discussion comes up somewhat regularly but I'm hoping to gain a better insight before I have to make a decision. I currently am finishing up my pre-reqs at a community college and am getting ready to submit my application for the university. For the longest time I...
  8. A

    Programs BS in Aerospace Engineering Technology?

    I've been looking into some AET and MET programs lately and trying to decide if it might be a viable major choice. I've been interested in aerospace engineering for a long time and always thought of that as my go-to college major, since I have a passion for just about anything with wings and/or...
  9. H

    Engineering Self-Education for Aerospace engineering

    Guys this may be a strange question but please bear with me. I am 29 years old and for most of my life I wanted to become an aerospace engineer, but for different life reasons never attended college for engineering. I have a BA in Econ graduated in 2012 and now working in a job I hate. A few...
  10. yeezyseason3

    Programs Double major in aerospace engineering and physics?

    I understand that this question has already been asked but I am still not satisfied with the answers given. My original plan was to do applied physics with a specialty in astrodynamics and propulsion with a minor in astronomy. Unfortunately most of the classes with in the aero department were...
  11. E

    Superposition of Moments of Inertia about Different CGs

    Hi all, You can use superposition to add moments of inertia when they're calculated about the same center of gravity (cg), but let's say you calculate the moments of inertia of several elements of a system about one cg and then use the Parallel Axis Theorem to then reference the total moments...
  12. winx

    Aerospace Engineering in Canada: Scope, Employment & University Comparisons

    Well this is my first post, i am currently in the last year of school, looking forward to apply for universities in Canada (on a student visa). Though earlier i was very adamant to do aerospace engineer particularly for its 'astronautical' part, well, i know its not easy to get into space...
  13. Gjmdp

    Engineering How much is better a PhD in Aerospace Engineering than a Masters?

    How better is a PhD in aerospace engineering than a master. Is it worthly? Of course, I think than with a PhD in aerospace engineering you earn some more, but I know that if I wan't money I shouldn't go into STEM. So, does a PhD in aerospace engineering opens more job opportunities...
  14. E

    Seeking information on aerospace engineering

    Hello, I am currently a grade 12 high school student and I am doing a project for my physics class on aerospace engineering. In order for me to get a good mark on this project I need an interview with an aerospace engineer. I would simply be asking one questions like what they do on a daily...
  15. pioneerboy

    Can an EE or ME degree lead to a career in aerospace engineering?

    Hello there, I have a few questions concerning how the choice between electrical and mechanical engineering influences one's future career if going into the aerospace branch - if possible at all. Can you do a Master or graduate in aerospace engineering with an undergraduate degree in one or the...
  16. O

    Why Does Bernoulli's Equation Apply to Wind Tunnels?

    I hope this question doesn't have too obvious of an answer. Basically, I still cannot grasp why Bernoulli's equation applies for wind tunnels and pitot-static probes. According to my textbook ("Introduction to Flight" by Anderson), Bernoulli's equation holds only when comparing two points...
  17. RooksAndBooks

    Avionics Programming Learning Materials?

    I'm an aspiring aerospace engineer. I know that Ada is a language used in many planes today, but I can't find anything to learn about Ada for avionics--I couldn't find books or tutorials. Do any of you guys have any recommendations on how to go about this? I'm very interested in teaching myself...
  18. R

    Who is RocketDr Miles and What Are His Areas of Expertise?

    Hello, I am Miles. My interests are very broad. I work in the fields of energy, communications, and space transportation, developing new systems that can hopefully solve some significant problems in these areas. My primary backgrounds are chemistry and electrical engineering, but I've...
  19. T

    Engineering Languages to learn for AE (Aerospace Engineering)

    I'm in 11th standard and can speak English fluently. What do foreign languages do you recommend I learn in ?
  20. T

    Admissions Admissions for Aerospace Engineering

    What are the best colleges for getting an degree in Aerospace Engineering ? I've heard about MIT. What are the requirements for an Indian student to get into MIT after 12th ? And what other top instititues are these apart from MIT for AE and what are the requirements and exams one should give to...
  21. Futurestar33

    Anyone studying Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering?

    Good afternoon, I am just curious about what books you guys use, I am a aspiring physicist with other degrees. I have always had a passion for space and engineering and when I go looking for Aeronautical or Aerospace books I find out that none of them are really math rigorous. Could anyone...
  22. S

    Innovative Aerospace Engineering Projects on a Budget

    I need ideas to make something for my 6th semester of aerospace engineering. I am stuck with thoughts which either cost me more than my college tuition or consume nearly a decade of my life to make. I am in desperate need of ideas which are cheap, creative, and still a great way of scoring with...
  23. S

    Engineering Where Can a Green Card Holder Find Aerospace Engineering Internships in Michigan?

    Hi people of this forum, I have a serious issue at hand right now. I am currently a 3rd year Bachelor student of the Aerospace Engineering at SRM Universty, India. I will be entering my Master's in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Dayton in the fall of 2016 under a Dual-Degree program...
  24. Q

    Best Laptop GPUs and Screens for Aerospace Engineering?

    Hello everyone, I am about to start college as an aerospace engineering major, and have a few questions regarding laptop GPUs and screens. First off, I am looking at the Dell XPS15, with the nvidia Geforce gt750m, and the alienware 15 with the nvidia gtx 980m. My main concern is that the...
  25. 2

    What subjects to focus on as an EE interested in Aerospace?

    Hello, I am currently pursuing my BS in EE. I am interested in avionics and would like to eventually work in the aerospace industry. What sort of topics should I focus on? I did an initial search on the forums and people have noted that these subjects are relevant: - Control Systems -...
  26. S

    What advice can I find on Physics Forums for an aerospace engineering student?

    I've been lurking on these forums for years. I'm an ex-Navy aircraft mechanic turned aerospace engineering student. I'll mostly be using this forum for academic advice.
  27. M

    Stuck Between Aerospace engineering and Computer Engineering

    Hello, I am stuck between two majors to study in college, Computer Engineering and Aerospace Engineering. About me: I am going to be a senior next year and I am going to be taking high level ap calculus and ap physics. I am a very creative person and am very good at the arts and industrial...
  28. O

    Advice Needed: AeroE vs. Comp. Sci. Undergrad.

    Hey everyone, I am new to the forums, so I'll take a second to introduce myself. My name is Michael. I am 26 years old, and had a delayed start into college because simply put, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life other than make money. Ironically, this isn't my goal anymore. I want a...
  29. R

    Astrophysics Career: Pursuing a PhD & Job Prospects

    Hi, I am currently a sophomore in high school and wish to pursuit a a PhD in astrophysics. I was wondering how life as a astrophysicist is actually like and as well how difficult it is to reach it. I have a pretty strong background in math and science as I am currently in Calculus AB and plan...
  30. K

    Engineering Aerospace engineering or computer science

    I am split on choosing to study for aerospace engineering or computer science. I have a passion for technology and all I want to do in life is to help people and the world through technology but I would just like more information on each one and what are some of the things I would be doing with...
  31. X

    Schools Dilemma regarding decision between two top universities

    Hello everyone :) For a while now I have been a lurker on this website. I absolutely love the amount answers one can find to their questions. However, at the moment I am facing a great difficulty in deciding which university I should go to. I have been accepted by several top universities...
  32. D

    Electrical Engineering BS to Aerospace Engineering MS

    Hello. Is this possible, or would I be missing out on a lot of groundwork? Any options? I'd like to work on anything involving space, like satellites and such. Thank you!?
  33. T

    Cal Poly Pomona or UCLA for Aerospace Engineering?

    Hi! I'm trying to decide between Cal Poly Pomona and UCLA for Aerospace Engineering. I'm wondering specifically about classroom dynamics and professor-student relationships. I'm ready to transfer and I have already been admitted into both universities. Any information and advice is helpful...
  34. 2ded12

    Help making decision on what to study to work on spacecraft

    I need help picking the best route to a careers to do with propulsion systems in space and launch vehicles. Initially, I would have pick the obvious course for this which is aerospace engineering, which most jobs want as basic requirement. But now I understand that the electronics course at this...
  35. J

    Programs Aerospace and Physics Double/Dual Major

    So, I am getting close to college (going to Mississippi State), and I know I want to do ASE and Physics (pref. Theoretical). MSU doesn't offer Engineering Physics or I would do that, but on the bright side I worked my ass offin high school, and I am transferring with 33 dual enrollment hours. My...
  36. R

    Imperial or U of T for Aerospace Engineering Studies?

    Hi guys. I am doing my final A level exams (UK system) this May and I plan to study aerospace engineering. I am mostly interested in the astronautical side of aerospace. I would like to work later in life in the US. However I did not apply to the US for undergraduate studies. Currently my...
  37. S

    Aerospace engineering at Imperial?

    Hello, apologies if this is in the wrong section of the forums. I was wondering if anyone could tell me about the Aeronautical course at Imperial. I want to learn about space crafts as well, but imperial only offers Aeronautics, unlike US universities like caltech which have aerospace programs...
  38. F

    Can I switch from Comp Sci to Aerospace?

    Hello. Currently i am interested on aerospace and nuclear engineering in the usa. However i was just curious about something. Is it possible for a person who has completed BS in computer science and electronics engineering from another country to switch to Aerospace or nuclear engineering for MS...
  39. A

    Studying Aerospace Engineering: A High School Senior's Dilemma

    Hi, I'm a high school senior and I was planning on studying Aerospace Engineering but my local university doesn't have it so I was opting to study ME and then move to a bigger uni where they have AE so I can get my masters degree there. Is that a good idea? Plus where would I work after I get my...
  40. A

    B.S. in physics, Masters in Aerospace Engineering?

    Hi, I'm a high school senior and I want to study Aerospace Engineering but my local university doesn't have it and going to another university is not an option, so what should my B.S. be? Physics? or an engineering that is somehow related to aerospace? Plus, does Masters in Aerospace Engineering...
  41. H

    Can applied physicists be CFD analysts

    I am about to graduate with an aerospace engineering degree. I am planning to go into grad school for Applied physics(probably plasma physics), which I find very interesting. But the main reason I joined the aerospace degree was because I was interested in CFD. But since I could't land any...
  42. A

    Computer Engineering to Aerospace: My Messy Situation

    I am in my semester in computer engineering iam doing Python now and never took programming before and i previously acquired a 1 year certification in computer networking, programming is interesting but so far, i have not found passion in it, i always wanted to do Aerospace, however; iam just...
  43. T

    Engineering Aerospace engineering or Engineering physics for the Space Industry?

    Hi everyone, I'm currently finishing my bachelor's degree in engineering physics (integrated master´s) and wondering what I should pursue on my master's degree and if I should move from my current path. My main objective is to work in the space industry (quite vague I imagine). Would it be...
  44. W

    What are the main areas of physics and mathematics for aerospace engineer?

    Hello. I'm not a mechanical or aerospace ingineer, but it's interesting for me. What are the main areas of physics and mathematics for aerospace engineer? It seems to me, that main areas of maths are calculus and differential equations, maybe some linear algebra. And I think, that main areas of...
  45. Freddy Diaz

    V-Tail and Aileron-Less Design

    Hi Physics Community, I'm working on the design of an aileron less and tail engine small UAV (Wing span 800mm) but I got stuck in Stability and Control. I recall from a teacher that a V-tail design is good for those configurations. However, I cannot find references to calculate/estimate neither...
  46. Luois Mers

    Engineering Materials engineering vs Mechanical engineering

    I am an student of Materials engineering I'm 4th semester. I have always wanted to develop airplanes (I grew up close to an airport). I know for some articles on internet that Mechanical engineering is closely related to aerospace engineering. Over the 4th semesters in materials engineering I...
  47. L

    Programs BS in Applied Physics/Math Minor to MS Aerospace Engineering

    I am a junior applied physics major/math minor. I recently decided I want to go for a MS in aerospace or astronautical engineering after I graduate. My applied focus is covered by taking some mechanical engineering classes (my school doesn't have an aerospace degree). I was wondering what kind...
  48. P

    Jobs in astrophysics & aerospace engineering

    How difficult is it to get a job in after receiving the degrees, is it essential for me to get the highest educational degree in these specified degrees or is it pretty much all about luck later on? For example, what chances are there that I will work with astrophysics/aerospace engineering if I...
  49. M

    Engineering Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering: Seeking Advice on Next Steps

    I have just completed my Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering but now I am really confused what to do next. Msc or Jobs?? I have tried to look for jobs in Middle east, UK, and so on but because of experience or work permit I can't match up to the requirements. please help any suggestions thanks
  50. S

    Aerospace engineering student who wants to get into astrophysics

    Hello all, This fall, I will be entering my freshman year at the University of Michigan, where I intend to study aerospace engineering. It has always been my dream to work in the space industry, and as such I've been considering the possibility of expanding into astrophysics to satisfy my...
Back
Top