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 craft operating in outer space (astronautics), the broader term “aerospace engineering” has come into common use. Aerospace engineering, particularly the astronautics branch, is often colloquially referred to as “rocket science”.
Aerospace engineering may be studied at the advanced diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. levels in aerospace engineering departments at many universities, and in mechanical engineering departments at others. A few departments offer degrees in space-focused astronautical engineering. Some institutions differentiate between aeronautical and astronautical engineering. Graduate degrees are offered in advanced or specialty areas for the aerospace industry.
A background in chemistry, physics, computer science and mathematics is important for students pursuing an aerospace engineering degree
Below Are the lists Of Aerospace Engineering Universities And Colleges In South Africa ;
Aeronautical Engineering – Wits University
Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering | University of Pretoria
Department for Aeronautical Science – Stellenbosch University
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering – Monash University
University Of Cape Town Aeronautical engineering
Frequently Asked Questions On Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace VS Aeronautical Engineering
A degree in aerospace engineering and a degree in aeronautical engineering both prepare students to design aircraft. In fact, aeronautical engineering is a branch of aerospace engineering. Though the two degree programs teach similar engineering principles, there is a critical distinction between designing for air and space. Schools offering Engineering & Technology Management degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Engineering for Air or Space Flight
Aerospace engineering is concerned with designing and building aircraft and spacecraft. Aerospace engineering can be divided into two specializations: aeronautical engineers, who handle aircraft, and astronautical engineers, who design spacecraft.ADVERTISEMENT
A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering would likely include both specializations, whereas a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering would focus solely on those vehicles that fly within the Earth’s atmosphere. Both options usually require students to take some similar courses, like dynamics, propulsion, and fluid mechanics.ADVERTISEMENT
Aeronautical Engineering
Aeronautical engineering is the practice of designing and building aircraft, like airplanes and helicopters. Students earning a degree in aeronautical engineering take classes such as:
- Thermodynamics
- Heat Transfer
- Aircraft Structures
- Flight Mechanics
- Aircraft Stability and Control
Aerospace Engineering and Astronautics
On the astronautical side of aerospace engineering, professionals design and build units like space shuttles and space stations. In addition to the aeronautical engineering courses listed above, students earning a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering will take astronautical courses like:
- Spacecraft Design
- Introduction to Astronautics
- Fundamentals of Jet Propulsion
- Spacecraft Dynamics
- Orbital Mechanics