Aerospace Engineering Subjects: A Complete Guide
The branch of engineering known as Aerospace Engineering or Astronautical Engineering, is concerned with the design, development, construction, testing, and operation of vehicles such as missiles, aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles operating in the Earth's atmosphere or in space.
Aerospace Engineering subjects includes mechanics, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and materials science. Some of the aerospace engineering applied subjects are Aerodynamics, Gas Dynamics, Propulsion, Flight Mechanics, Theory of Mechanics, Aerospace Structures, Manufacturing Processes, and Automatic Control. A variety of elective courses are also available to help broaden and deepen the knowledge base.
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Aerospace Engineering Subjects
The subjects in this course may differ from one college to another. Nevertheless, given below is a list of Aerospace Engineering subjects and the topics that students will study:
Aerospace Engineering Subjects | Topics |
Mathematics | Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Probability, and Statistics. |
Physics | Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism, and Waves. |
Manufacturing and Materials Science | Materials Science and Engineering, Manufacturing Processes, Composite Materials, and Structural Mechanics. |
Computer Science | Programming, Data Structures, and Algorithms. |
Aerospace Engineering Core | Flight Mechanics, Aerodynamics, Aircraft Structures, Aircraft Propulsion, Aircraft Design, Control Engineering, and Avionics. |
Humanities and Social Sciences | Communication, Ethics, Economics, and Management. |
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Aerospace Engineering Subjects: Core Subjects
Core subjects refer to the fundamental and compulsory courses that are required of any student pursuing a degree in the field. These topics are regarded as foundational to the area and offer a solid foundation of expertise needed to comprehend and function in the aerospace sector. Mathematics, Physics, Mechanics, Aerodynamics, Structures, Propulsion, Avionics, and Light Mechanics are some of the topics covered in core disciplines.
Given below is a list of all the core Aerospace Engineering Subjects in detail:
Core Subject | Description |
Mathematics | Involves advanced calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations, which form the mathematical foundation for aerospace engineering calculations and modeling. |
Physics | Covers mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism, providing an understanding of the physical principles underlying aerospace systems and their behavior. |
Mechanics of Solids and Fluids | Focuses on analyzing the behavior of solid and fluid materials under different conditions, which is crucial for designing aircraft and spacecraft structures and understanding fluid dynamics. |
Aerospace Structures
| Explores the design and analysis of aircraft and spacecraft structures, including stress and strain analysis, material selection, and finite element methods. |
Flight Mechanics
| Covers aircraft performance, stability and control, and orbital mechanics, enabling the study of how aircraft and spacecraft move through the atmosphere and space. |
Propulsion
| Examines gas dynamics, jet propulsion, and rocket propulsion, providing insight into the principles and technologies behind aircraft and spacecraft propulsion systems. |
Avionics and Control Systems
| Focuses on flight control systems, navigation systems, and instrumentation used in aerospace vehicles for monitoring and controlling their operations. |
Aerodynamics | Explores the behavior of air and the forces acting on aircraft wings and bodies, including airfoil theory, wing design, and boundary layer theory. |
Aircraft Systems | Covers the electrical, hydraulic, and environmental control systems found in aircraft, emphasizing their integration and functioning. |
Aerospace Materials | Examines the metallic and composite materials used in aerospace engineering, including their properties, testing methods, and applications in aircraft and spacecraft. |
Experimental Methods in Aerospace Engineering | Introduces techniques such as wind tunnel testing and flight testing for evaluating and validating aerospace designs and systems. |
Space Science and Technology | Explores satellite technology, remote sensing, and space missions, providing an understanding of the principles and applications of space science and technology.
|
Aerospace Manufacturing and Production | Focuses on the manufacturing processes, quality control, and production management techniques specific to the aerospace industry. |
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Aerospace Engineering Subjects: Elective Subjects
Elective subjects refer to the topics that students can select based on their interests, professional aspirations, or area of specialization. These subjects let students choose the aspects of aerospace engineering that fit their personal preferences and professional goals. Elective subjects include Satellite Technology, Propulsion Systems, Avionics, Remote Sensing, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Composite Materials, Aircraft Design, Space Systems, and any other specialized area of the Co
Given below is a list of all the elective Aerospace Engineering Subjects in detail:
Elective Subject | Description |
Aircraft Design | Focuses on the principles and methodologies of designing aircraft, covering aerodynamics, structural analysis, and system integration. |
Composite Materials in Aerospace Engineering | Explores the use of composite materials in aerospace applications, including their fabrication techniques, mechanical behavior, and structural design. |
Computational Fluid Dynamics | Introduces numerical methods for simulating fluid flows and analyzing aerodynamic performance using computational tools and software. |
Unmanned Aerial Systems | Covers the design, operation, and applications of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their systems. |
Aerospace Instrumentation | This subject focuses on the design and application of instrumentation systems in aerospace vehicles. |
Satellite Systems | Explores the design, operation, and applications of satellite systems, including satellite communication, remote sensing, and navigation. |
Spacecraft Design | Focuses on the design and engineering aspects of spacecraft, including system integration, mission requirements, and space environment considerations. |
Space Propulsion | Examines advanced propulsion systems used in space exploration, including ion propulsion, electric propulsion, and other cutting-edge technologies. |
Space Mission Design
| Explores the design and planning of space missions, including mission requirements, trajectory optimization, payload considerations, and mission analysis. |
Aeroelasticity | Focuses on the study of interactions between aerodynamic forces and structural dynamics, particularly in the context of aircraft and spacecraft. |
Remote Sensing and GIS Applications | This subject focuses on the use of remote sensing data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in aerospace applications. |
Hypersonic and Supersonic Flows | This elective delves into the aerodynamics and thermodynamics of high-speed flight |
Aerodynamic Design Optimization
| Focuses on optimization techniques applied to aerodynamic design problems. |
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: Year-wise
Given below are the Aerospace Engineering subjects, year-wise:
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: 1st Year
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: 1st Year | |
Mathematics I: Calculus and Analytical Geometry | Physics I: Mechanics and Properties of Matter
|
Chemistry: Basic Principles and Applications | Engineering Graphics |
Electrical Engineering Fundamentals | Engineering Mechanics |
Workshop Practice | Engineering Physics Lab |
Engineering Chemistry Lab | Workshop Practice Lab |
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: 2nd Year
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: 2nd Year | |
Mathematics II: Differential Equations and Linear Algebra | Physics II: Electricity, Magnetism and Optics
|
Material Science | Thermodynamics |
Solid Mechanics | Fluid Mechanics |
Electrical and Electronic Circuits | Computer Programming |
Material Testing Lab | Fluid Mechanics Lab |
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: 3rd Year
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: 3rd Year | |
Aerospace Structures | Aerodynamics |
Propulsion | Flight Mechanics |
Control Engineering | Aircraft Systems and Instruments |
Aircraft Performance and Stability | Aircraft Design |
Manufacturing Technology | Control Engineering Lab |
Aircraft Systems Lab | Aerodynamics Lab |
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: 4th Year
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: 4th Year | |
Aircraft Design Project | Computational Fluid Dynamics |
Finite Element Analysis | Spacecraft Technology |
Aerospace Vehicle Structures | Avionics and Navigation Systems |
Aircraft Maintenance and Repair | Aerospace Materials and Processes |
Aerospace Propulsion Systems | Aerospace Vehicle Design |
Industrial Training/Internship | Project Work |
Also Read: How to Become a Pilot in India?
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: Semester-wise
The duration in India is 4 years, which is divided into 6 semesters. Given below is a list of potential subjects in the course, semester-wise:
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: Semester 1 & 2
Semester – 1 | Semester – 2 |
Basic Civil Engineering | Engineering Mathematics II |
Basic Mechanical Engineering | Engineering Chemistry and Environmental Studies |
Basic Aerospace Engineering | Engineering Physics |
Basic Electronics Engineering & Information Technology | Engineering Mechanics |
Basic Thermodynamics | Engineering Graphics |
Basic Strength of Materials | Elements of Aeronautics |
Basic Strength of Materials Lab | Fluid Mechanics |
Engineering Mathematics I | Fluid Mechanics Lab |
Economics and Communication Skills | Mechanical Workshop |
Aerospace and Civil Workshop | - |
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: Semester 3 & 4
Semester – 3 | Semester – 4 |
Engineering Mathematics II | Gas Dynamics |
Engineering Mathematics III | Propulsion I |
Basic Strength of Materials | Aerodynamics I |
Basic Strength of Materials Lab | Aircraft Structure I |
Fluid Mechanics Lab | Aerospace Technology and Machines |
Economics and Communication Skills | Structures Lab |
Fluid Mechanics | Propulsion Lab |
Basic Thermodynamics | Elements of Aeronautics |
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: Semester 5 & 6
Semester – 5 | Semester – 6 |
Engineering Mathematics IV | Aircraft Structure II |
Principle of Management | Heat Transfer |
Computer of Programming | Theory of Vibration |
Avionics | Flight Dynamics I |
Experimental Aerodynamics | Aerodynamics II |
Elective I | Propulsion II |
Wind Tunnel Lab | Heat Engines Lab |
Propulsion Lab II | Aero Engines lab |
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: Semester 7 & 8
Semester – 7 | Semester – 8 |
Computational Fluid Dynamics | Rocket Missiles |
Experimental Stress Analysis | Introduction to space technology |
Aircraft Design | Air Transportation and Aircraft maintenance |
Flight Dynamics II | Elective III |
Aircraft System and Instrumentation | Elective IV |
Elective II | Aerodynamics Lab |
Experimental Stress Analysis Lab | Project |
Vibration Lab | Viva Voce |
Seminar | - |
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: Recommended Books
There are several books available in India for Aerospace Engineering that students must go through for further knowledge. Some of the popular ones along with the author's name are given below:
Book Name | Author |
Introduction to Flight | John D. Anderson Jr |
Aircraft Structures for Engineering Students | T.H.G. Megson |
Aerodynamics for Engineers | by John J. Bertin and Russell M. Cummings |
Introduction to Aerospace Engineering | Vinay Kumar and Rohit Kandakatla |
Aerospace Propulsion | P. Rathakrishnan |
Flight Stability and Automatic Control | Robert C. Nelson |
Introduction to Finite Element Method | K. N. Seetharamu and S. R. Shiva Shankar |
Principles of Space Instrument Design | A.C. Walker |
Introduction to Space Dynamics | William T. Thomson |
Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics | Brij N. Agrawal and Robert W |
Top Aerospace Engineering Colleges in India
Given below is a list of some of the top colleges that offer Aerospace Engineering in India, along with their course fees and location:
College Name | Location | Course Fees |
Kharagpur | INR 82,070 | |
Kanpur | INR 2,15,600 | |
Bombay | INR 2,28,000 | |
Madras | INR 75,116 | |
Manipal | INR 3,35,000 | |
Jalandhar | INR 1,68,000 | |
Chennai | INR 2,29,500 | |
Noida | INR 3,11,000 | |
Dehradun | INR 16,04,500 | |
Bhubaneswar | INR 4,29,000 |
Related Article: Top Engineering Colleges in India