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11.6.2 DEPARTMENT OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
(AE) AND MECHANICS (AEM)
Head: Professor Stanley E. Jones,
Office: 205 Hardaway Hall
The department offers programs leading to the degrees of master of science
in aerospace engineering, master of science in engineering science and
mechanics, and the doctor of philosophy degree in engineering science and
mechanics.
Research. A vigorous program of research is conducted by the faculty
and students. The department houses excellent laboratory facilities and
advanced computer facilities, including wind tunnels, flight simulators,
extensive servo-hydraulic materials and structural testing equipment,
engineering workstations, and artificial intelligence laboratories.
Major research laboratories include the Flight Dynamics Laboratory,
Intelligent Control Laboratory, Aircraft Structures Laboratory, the
Compressible Flow Laboratory, the Hypersonic Research Laboratory, the Impact
and Penetration Mechanics Laboratory, Multiaxial Durability Laboratory, Spot
Weld Manufacturing Laboratory, Composite Materials Laboratory, Navigation
Laboratory, MEMS Fabrication Facility, Vibration Condition Monitoring
Laboratory, Computational Mechanics Laboratory, and the Aerospace Dynamics
and Control Laboratory.
Some current research projects include theoretical and experimental studies
in a variety of areas, including aerodynamics, computational fluid mechanics
and heat transfer, numerical methods for solidification, buckling of
thin-walled shell structures, fracture mechanics, multiaxial fatigue of spot
welds and automotive structures, low-cycle fatigue, high-strain rate flow
studies, penetration mechanics, improved finite-element methods for thermal
and structural analysis, computer simulation of aircraft and missile
performance, dynamic response of rapid transit vehicles, solid rockets,
flight dynamics, aircraft reliability, aerospace dynamics and control,
aeroelasticity, aeroacoustics of missiles and space launch vehicles,
condition monitoring in electro-mechanical systems and composites materials.
Graduate and undergraduate research assistantships are available for many of
these research projects.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements are outlined in the "Academic Policies" section of
this catalog.
Degree Requirements
A list of current degree requirements and additional information can be
found on the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics website:
http://aem.eng.ua.edu. The following
departmental requirements are in addition to those specified by the College
of Engineering and University.
M.S. in Aerospace Engineering. At least 18 hours of AEM-designated
courses are required. The following core courses are required:
-
Two courses selected from a list
of mathematics and engineering analysis offerings; AEM 585
Genetic Algorithms or AEM 587 Neural Networks may be substituted
for one mathematics course (Mathematics)
-
AEM 500 Intermediate Fluid
Mechanics (Aerodynamics)
-
AEM 635 Finite Element Method
(Structures)
-
AEM 668 Advanced Dynamics of
Flight (Flight Dynamics)
A “B” average in the core courses is a
departmental requirement for graduation. Additionally, one of the following
areas is chosen as a field of specialization: (a) flight dynamics, controls,
and simulation, (b) flight vehicle structures and materials, or (c)
aerodynamics and propulsion, and a depth of study (two additional courses)
is required in one of the areas above.
M.S. in Engineering Science and Mechanics. At least 18 hours of AEM-designated
courses are required. The following core courses are required:
-
GES 554 Partial Differential
Equations and one course selected from a list of mathematics and
engineering analysis offerings, AEM 585 Genetic Algorithms, or
AEM 587 Neural Networks (Mathematics)
-
AEM 500 Intermediate Fluid
Mechanics (Fluid Mechanics)
-
AEM 637 Theory of Elasticity
(Solid Mechanics)
-
AEM 562 Intermediate Dynamics
(Dynamics)
A “B” average in the core courses is a
departmental requirement for graduation. Additionally, one of the
following areas is chosen as a field of specialization: (a) solid
mechanics, (b) fluid mechanics, or (c) dynamics and a depth of study
(two additional courses) is required in one of the areas above.
Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Science and Mechanics.
The Ph.D. is primarily a research degree. Courses are to be selected
in consultation with the student's supervisory committee. The
following core courses are required:
-
GES 554 Partial Differential
Equations and one course selected from a list of mathematics and
engineering analysis offerings, AEM 585 Genetic Algorithms, or
AEM 587 Neural Networks (Mathematics)
-
AEM 500 Intermediate Fluid
Mechanics (Fluid Mechanics)
-
AEM 637 Theory of Elasticity
(Solid Mechanics)
-
AEM 562 Intermediate Dynamics
(Dynamics)
A “B” average in the core courses is a
departmental requirement for graduation. Additionally, one of the
following areas is chosen as a field of specialization: (a) solid
mechanics, (b) fluid mechanics, or (c) dynamics.
Course Descriptions (AEM)
AEM 404 Integrated Aerospace Design II. (1-6) Three hours.
Prerequisite: AEM 402.
Preliminary and detailed design of aircraft and space vehicles, including
weight and balance, power plant selection, exterior layout, performance,
stability, and control. Includes group efforts on selected projects.
AEM 414 Experimental Aerodynamics. (3-0) Three hours.
This course provides a laboratory counterpart to concepts discussed in
aerodynamics AEM 313/413 as well as fluid mechanics AEM 311. Course topics
include statistical and uncertainty analysis techniques, design of
experiments, computer-based data acquisition, LabVIEW, sensors for fluid
mechanic measurements, and aerodynamic measurement techniques and
facilities.
AEM 420 Fluid Transients. (3-0) Three hours. Same as ME 420.
Prerequisites: MATH 238 and AEM 311.
Introduction to the basic mathematical concepts, engineering problems, and
solution techniques associated with transient behavior of fluid systems.
Analysis and design of systems to control undesirable transients.
AEM 451 Structural Design and Testing. (3-3) Four hours.
Prerequisite: AEM 341.
Design of tension, compression, bending, torsion, and stiffened panel
members. Experimental and analytical investigations involving static and
dynamic structural behavior. Writing proficiency is required for a passing
grade in this course.
AEM 455 Mechanical Behavior of Materials. (3-0) Three hours. Same as MTE
455.
Prerequisite: AEM 250.
Flow and fracture of solids; uniaxial tensile stress-strain as a reference
behavior; and theories of terminal instability under impact, monotonic,
sustained (creep), and repeated (fatigue) loadings of solids under various
states of stress.
AEM 470 Mechanical Vibrations. (3-0) Three hours. Same as ME 470.
Prerequisites: AEM 250 and AEM 372.
For description, see ME 470.
AEM 471 Fundamentals of Acoustics. (3-0) Three hours. Same as ME 471.
Prerequisites: MATH 238, PH 106, and ECE 320 or ECE 225.
Fundamental physical principles underlying wave propagation and resonance in
mechanical systems; introduces applications and provides experience in
acoustic and audio measurements and the associated instrumentation.
AEM 475 Control Systems Analysis. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisite: AEM 372.
Classical feedback control system analysis; block diagrams, state variables,
stability, root locus, and computerized analysis. Includes an introduction
to modern control techniques.
AEM 491:492 Special Problems (Area). Variable credit.
Assigned problems are explored on an individual basis. Credit is based on
the amount of work undertaken.
AEM 500 Intermediate Fluid Mechanics. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisites: MATH 238, ME 215, and AEM 311.
Development and use of the integral and differential forms of the equations
of continuity, momentum, and energy with ideal fluids and compressible
fluids. Advanced topics in fluid mechanics, including potential flow,
boundary layer flow, compressible flow, and open channel flow.
AEM 502 V/STOL Aerodynamics. (3-0) Three hours.
Theory and design techniques applicable to hovering and slow-flying
vehicles.
AEM 503 Intermediate Gas Dynamics. (3-0) Three hours. Same as ME 503.
Prerequisites: ME 215 and AEM 311.
For description, see ME 503.
AEM 513 High-Speed Aerodynamics. (3-0) Three hours.
Fundamentals of high-speed aerodynamics theory along with basic high-speed
vehicle design.
AEM 516 Helicopter Theory. (3-0) Three hours.
Critical examination of the propulsive airscrew, including induced velocity
relations, flow patterns, and similarity. Practical applications approached
through existing theory and practice.
AEM 523 Principles of Simulation. (3-0) Three hours.
Corequisite: AEM 368, AEM 566, or AEM 668.
An overview of man-in-the-loop, real-time simulation. Includes survey of
modeling, digital image generation, projection systems, principles of
optics, vibration and motion cueing, and control loading. Issues of computer
architecture and system integration and of fidelity and latency are
discussed. The simulator in the Flight Dynamics Laboratory is used for
illustration.
AEM 525 Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisite: AEM 368, AEM 372/ME 372, or ECE 475.
This course introduces the student to the theory and practice of spacecraft
dynamics and control. Topics covered include kinematics and dynamics of
angular motion, spacecraft stabilization, attitude control devices, and
design of linear and nonlinear spacecraft control systems.
AEM 528 Space Propulsion. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisite: AEM 408/ME 308.
Descriptions and analyses of space and launch vehicle propulsion. Topics
covered include advanced schemes such as nuclear, solar, and laser
propulsion; power cycles; and tether systems.
AEM 546 Intermediate Solid Mechanics. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisites: MATH 238 and AEM 250.
Two-dimensional theory of elasticity; exact and approximate solutions of
bending, torsion, and buckling for bars; open sections and curved beams;
stresses in axisymmetric members; and finite-element and energy methods.
AEM 552 Composite Materials. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisites: AEM 250 and one other course in structures.
Mechanisms and influence of heterogeneity/anisotropy on thermomechanical
behavior. The behavior, manufacturing, and test methods of continuous fiber
reinforced polymeric composites are emphasized.
AEM 554 Engineering Reliability. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisite: AEM 250.
Fundamental concepts and applications of probabilistic approach to
engineering design.
AEM 556 Strengthening Mechanisms in Metallic Materials. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisite: AEM 455.
For description, see MTE 556.
AEM 562 Intermediate Dynamics. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisites: MATH 238 and AEM 264.
Dynamics of systems in moving coordinate frames; Lagrangian formulation and
Hamilton 's principle; stability and perturbation concepts for rigid body
motion; motion of systems of rigid bodies in three dimensions.
AEM 566 Dynamics of Flight. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisites: AEM 368 and AEM 249.
Introduction to the dynamics of flight vehicles; equations for static and
dynamic equilibrium; criteria for stability, controllability, and
maneuverability.
AEM 567 Fundamentals of Orbital Mechanics. (3-0) Three hours.
Fundamentals of astrodynamics and orbital mechanics.
AEM 570 Theory of Vibrations. (3-0) Three hours. Same as ME 570.
Prerequisites: MATH 238 and AEM 264.
Vibrations of multiple degree of freedom and elastic continuous systems;
application of Hamilton 's principle; Lagrange's equations; finite element
method.
AEM 571 Fundamentals of Acoustics. (3-0) Three hours. Same as ME 571.
Prerequisites: MATH 238, PH 106, and ECE 320 or ECE 225.
Fundamental physical principles underlying wave propagation and resonance in
mechanical systems; introduces applications and provides experience in
acoustic and audio measurements and the associated instrumentation.
AEM 574 Structural Dynamics. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisites: AEM 349, AEM 372, and AEM 451, or by consent of the
instructor.
Fundamental methods for predicting the dynamic response of structures.
AEM 577 Advanced Linear Control. (3-0) Three hours. Same as ECE/ME 577.
Prerequisite: ECE 475.
For description, see ECE 577.
AEM 578 Nonlinear Control Systems. (3-0) Three hours. Same as
ECE 674/ME
578.
Prerequisite: ECE 475.
For description, see ECE 674.
AEM 579 Introductory Computational Aerodynamics. (3-0) Three hours.
Fundamentals of computational aerodynamics.
AEM 585 Genetic Algorithms in Optimization and Machine Learning. (3-0) Three
hours.
Prerequisites: CS 110, or CS 114 and graduate standing.
Theory and application of genetic algorithms. Computer implementation and
current applications in parameter and combinatorial optimization and optimal
control genetics-based machine learning systems. Focus on both fundamental
theory and modern applications.
AEM 587 Neural Networks. (3-0) Three hours. Same as
ECE 587.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or CS 114, CS 513.
Theory, implementation, and applications of learning automata and neural
networks. Early applications from psychology and biology; current
applications in engineering and machine learning, theory of simple networks,
and introduction to complex, modern paradigms.
AEM 591:592 Special Problems. Variable credit.
Independent investigations of special problems. Credit is based on the
amount of work undertaken.
AEM 594 Special Project. Two to six hours.
Planning, executing, and presenting results of individual project involving
a research design, analysis, or similar undertaking.
AEM 598 Research Not Related to Thesis. One to three hours.
AEM 599 Master's Thesis Research. One to six hours.
AEM 602 Advanced Fluid Mechanics. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisite: AEM 500.
Potential motion in two and three dimensions, conformal mapping, application
of Schwartz-Christoffel transformation, virtual mass, and approximate
methods.
AEM 604 Compressible Flow Theory. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisite: AEM 313 or AEM 503.
For description, see ME 504.
AEM 610 Aerodynamic Heating. (3-0) Three hours.
Radiative and convective aerodynamic heating at hypersonic speeds in real,
low, and high-density atmospheres; includes resistive, ablative,
transpiration, and heat capacity thermal protection techniques.
AEM 612 Advanced Experimental Aerodynamics. (2-3) Three hours.
Compressible flow, measurement of pressure, Mach number, temperature,
density, turbulence, and heat transfer. Some experimental work and
illustration of the uses of modern wind tunnel instruments.
AEM 614 Airfoil and Wing Theory. (3-0) Three hours.
Compressible and incompressible airfoil and wing theory.
AEM 620 Finite Difference Methods in Fluid Dynamics. (3-0) Three hours. Same
as ME 620.
Prerequisites: MATH 238 and AEM 311.
Introduction to basic mathematical concepts and engineering problems
associated with numerical modeling of fluid systems. Application of
state-of-the-art numerical models to engineering problems.
AEM 621 Boundary Layer Theory I. (3-0) Three hours. Same as
ME 621.
Development of basic boundary layer equations and concepts. Classical
incompressible solutions for laminar boundary layer, approximate solutions,
and concepts of turbulence.
AEM 622 Boundary Layer Theory II. (3-0) Three hours. Same as ME 622/AEM 622.
Turbulent boundary layer theory; compressible boundary layer theory
including shock interaction and heating effects; selected topics.
AEM 624 Hypersonic Flow Theory. (3-0) Three hours.
Nonlinear treatment of compressible flow, linearized theory, methods for
blunt bodies, blast wave theory, numerical methods, and hypersonic wind
tunnels.
AEM 625 Computational Fluid Dynamics. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisite: AEM 579.
Analyses of aerodynamic flow problems using a digital computer.
AEM 628 Molecular Aerothermodynamics. (3-0) Three hours.
Understanding gas flows and reactions by developing gas properties from an
analysis of molecular interactions.
AEM 630 Continuum Mechanics. (3-0) Three hours.
Cartesian tensors applied to develop concepts of stress and deformation in
continua. Equations of motion resulting from Newton 's laws, constitutive
laws for particular solids, and boundary value problems in stress analysis
and stability.
AEM 635 Finite-Element Method in Engineering Mechanics. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisites: MATH 238 and AEM 250, or permission of the instructor.
Finite-element formulations in the areas of solid mechanics, fluid
mechanics, and heat conduction; isoparametric elements; assembly process;
solution of stiffness equations; and convergence of results.
AEM 637 Theory of Elasticity. (3-0) Three hours.
Corequisite: GES 551.
Equations of linear elasticity, principal stresses and strains, stress and
displacement potentials, energy principles, and numerical methods. Boundary
value problems of elasticity.
AEM 638 Introduction to Experimental Mechanics. (2-3) Three hours.
Theory and application of electrical resistance strain gauges for stress
analysis and for use as transducers. Study of circuits and instruments used
for strain measurement. Theory and application of photoelasticity for
measurement of stress. Fundamentals of servohydraulic testing.
AEM 639 Aircraft Shell Structures. (3-0) Three hours.
Theoretical analysis of plane and curved web shell structures. Diagonal
tension, shear lag, multi-stringer cells, and cutouts. Theoretical analyses
are correlated with available experimental evidence to obtain the most
effective use of the combined knowledge for practical applications.
AEM 640 Advanced Topics in Continuum Mechanics. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisite: AEM 630.
Kinematics of finite deformation; principles of mechanics; principles of
frame indifference and objectivity; theory of viscoelasticity; creep and
viscoplastic model; and applications in large deformation.
AEM 641 Applied Elasticity. (3-0) Three hours.
Structural analysis as a unified theory based on the principle of virtual
displacements. Minimal principles of structural theory and applications to
beam columns, sandwich-type beams, and cables; the Rayleigh-Ritz method,
Galerkin's method, and trigonometric series solutions.
AEM 642 Structural Behavior of Flight Vehicle Configurations. (3-0) Three
hours.
Application of classical and modern numerical methods for predicting the
strength, stability, and stiffness of typical aerospace structures. Includes
treatment of stiffened plate and shell structures, composite materials, and
determination of postbuckled configurations for selected geometries.
AEM 643 Selected Topics in Structural Analysis. (3-0) Three hours.
Selected topics in nonlinear static and dynamic stability of elastic and
inelastic structures. Advanced numerical techniques of solution for large
systems of differential, integral, and algebraic equations governing the
linear and nonlinear behavior of structures.
AEM 644 Engineering Fracture Mechanics. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisites: GES 554 and AEM 637.
Linear elastic and elastic-plastic fracture mechanics. Fracture analysis
using Griffith 's criterion, stress intensity factors, CTOD methods, and the
J-Integral.
AEM 645 Advanced Finite-Element Methods in Engineering Mechanics. (3-0)
Three hours.
Prerequisite: AEM 635.
Basic concepts, reduced integration with hourglass control, Navier-Stokes
equations, eigenvalue problems, beam and plate elements, time integration,
adaptive methods, nonlinear solid mechanics. Familiarization with general
purpose codes.
AEM 646 Theory of Plates and Shells. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisites: AEM 635 and AEM 637.
Linear and nonlinear theories of plates and shells, analytic solutions of
rectangular, circular plates and cylindrical shells and shells of
revolution. Application of finite-element method to plates and shells.
AEM 648 Theory of Plasticity. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisite: AEM 637.
Fundamentals of inelastic behavior of solids. Basic stress-strain relations
for plastic action, yield criteria of metals, plastic instability, and
slip-line field theory. Applications to axial, flexural, torsional, and
cylindrically symmetric loads.
AEM 649 Fatigue Analysis. (3-0) Three hours.
Presentation of the strain life and fracture mechanics approaches to fatigue
analysis. Review of damage parameters, mean stress effects, and cycle
counting methods for uniaxial and multiaxial loading.
AEM 653 Variational Methods in Mechanics. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisite: GES 554.
Survey of variational principles and methods in mechanics.
AEM 655 Advanced Composite Materials. (3-0) Three hours.
Advanced topics in composite materials, including theories of linear
orthotropic elasticity, micro-mechanics of composites, nano-composites, and
sandwich structures.
AEM 663 Chaotic Dynamics. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisite: GES 551.
Phase space concepts of nonlinear systems; equilibrium points, limit cycles,
and strange attractors; chaotic behavior, Lyapunov exponents, and fractal
dimension.
AEM 665 Advanced Structural Dynamics. (2-3) Three hours.
Theoretical and experimental methods for the dynamic analysis of structures.
AEM 667 Astrodynamics II. (3-0) Three hours.
Transfer orbits, orbital perturbations, multiple body problems, numerical
treatments of n-body problems, propulsion, and powered system dynamics.
AEM 668 Advanced Dynamics of Flight. (3-0) Three hours.
Analysis of the rigid body dynamic motions of an aircraft; response of an
airplane to actuation of controls; introduction to automatic control and
stability; introduction to vehicle simulation by digital computer.
AEM 669 Principles of Guidance and Navigation. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisite: AEM 368 or AEM 566.
Gyroscopes as aircraft attitude indicating devices and as components of
inertial navigation systems; Newton's laws applied in various rotating and
fixed reference frames used in guidance and navigation; space integrator and
Schuler tuning; local geographic coordinate navigation for aircraft;
semi-analytic navigation for missile guidance; and analytic (strap down)
guidance systems.
AEM 670 Advanced Vibrations. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisites: MATH 238 and AEM 264.
Vibrations of multiple-degree-of-freedom and elastic continuous systems;
application of Hamilton 's principle; Lagrange's equations; and
finite-element method.
AEM 672 Intelligent Control. (3-0) Three hours. Same as ECE 672.
Prerequisite: AEM 577/ECE 577/ME 577.
Mathematical and theoretical foundations for intelligent control methods and
their combination with current practices. Real-world applications.
AEM 674 Introduction to Aeroelasticity. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.
Interactions between static/dynamic structural deformation and
steady/unsteady aerodynamic loading; control reversal, divergence and
flutter; aeroelastic tailoring and aeroservoelasticity.
AEM 677 Optimal Control. (3-0) Three hours. Same as ECE 677/ME 677.
Prerequisite: AEM 577.
For description, see ECE 677.
AEM 678 Advanced Topics in Control. (3-0) Three hours. Same as
ECE 678/ME 678.
For description, see ECE 678.
AEM 679 Wave Motion of Continuous Solids. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisites: AEM 470 and AEM 637.
The dynamics of continuous elastic bodies; the properties of wave motion and
the motion of an elastic string; propagation of elastic waves in infinite
and semi-infinite bodies, cylinders, rods, and beams.
AEM 681 Experimental Aeroelasticity. (2-3) Three hours.
Aeroelastic model theory applied to the design and construction of flutter
models and dynamic stability models. Testing techniques and model scale
aeroelastic experiments.
AEM 685 Engineering Optimization. (3-0) Three hours.
Prerequisites: GES 551 and MATH 238.
Basic principles of optimization theory, parameter optimization problems,
linear and nonlinear programming. Unconstrained and constrained problems
treated by simplex, penalty function, and generalized reduced gradient
methods. Includes several computer projects concerning engineering
applications.
AEM 691:692 Special Problems (Area). Variable credit.
Independent investigations of special problems. Credit is based on the
amount of work undertaken.
AEM 693 Selected Topics. One to three hours.
Topics of current research in dynamics and controls, solid mechanics and
structures, or thermal/fluid sciences.
AEM 694 Special Project. Two to six hours.
Planning, executing, and presenting results of an individual project
involving a research design, analysis, or similar undertaking.
AEM 695 Graduate Seminar. (1) One hour.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Preparation and presentation of papers and reports on current topics.
AEM 698 Research Not Related to Dissertation. One to six hours.
AEM 699 Doctoral Dissertation Research. Three to twelve hours.
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