routemap

Design-Centered Introduction to Aerospace Engineering

ROUTE MAP OF DISCIPLINES
(or, classes where I might have stayed awake if I had been smarter )

Aspect of Aerospace Engineering	Basic disciplines / courses needed from the 1st 2 years of engineering school
Mission Specification	Technology forecasting, market surveys, vehicle performance, economics, social sciences, political science
Weight Estimation	Statistics, technology forecasting
Aerodynamics	Physics, calculus, computer science, optics, lasers, signal processing, image processing, acoustics, thermodynamics
Propulsion	Physics, thermodynamics, chemistry, lasers, optics, environmental sciences, acoustics
Performance	Physics, Statics and Dynamics, calculus; flight mechanics
Structures	Materials, Statics, Dynamics, Strength of Materials.
Layout and detail design	Engg. graphics, psychology, economics, ergonomics
Stability	Statics, calculus
Controls	Laplace transforms, differential equations, electrical engg., computer science
Instrumentation & communications	Optics, electronics, magnetism, signal processing, computer science
Space propulsion	Electricity, magnetism, nuclear engg., chemistry, physics, dynamics, thermodynamics
Trajectories & space mission design	dynamics, astronomy, modern physics
Spacecraft design	heat transfer, materials, photoelectricity, thermodynamics, chemistry, physics, physiology.
Flight Simulation	Flight mechanics, image processing, engg. graphics, computer science, control theory.
Ground and flight testing and experimentation	All aerospace engg. disciplines, physics, chemistry, mechanical design, electronics, signal processing, image processing, computer science.
Lifecycle cost	Manufacturing, Systems Engg., Optimization, Economics, Political and Legal Issues.

And perhaps most important of all, the general knowledge and common sense acquired by reading newspapers and magazines, watching TV, talking to people and thinking quietly.