Module Details

Module Code: DSGN H4602
Module Title: Conceptual Design
Title: Conceptual Design
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Cathal Nolan
Module Author:: Edmond Tobin
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of the module is to provide learners with the techniques and knowledge required to perform a conceptual design of a light aircraft. Conceptual design techniques will be presented on aerodynamics, structures, performance, and propulsion systems. Students have to work together in a virtual industrial environment and carry out individual tasks upon which the whole team is dependent.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Apply conceptual design techniques to develop a series of conceptual designs and iterate to a design solution based on a specification.
LO2 Work effectively as a team member in the planning, managing, organising and completion of tasks among a group of peers.
LO3 Assess ethical issues in relation to group work and sustainability of the final design.
LO4 Evaluate aircraft designs using software applications and numerical analysis.
LO5 Resolve conflicting issues within a team dynamic, in both leadership and specialist positions.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Design Process
- Introduction - Phases of Aircraft Design - Conceptual Design Process
Initial Sizing
- Takeoff Weight - Empty Weight and Fuel Fraction - Powerplant Sizing - Geometry Sizing - Control Surface Sizing
Conceptual Layout
- Vertical Wing Location - Wing Configuration, Dihedral, Structural - Cabin Configuration - Propeller Configuration - Empennage Configuration - Landing Gear Configuration
Weights Analysis
- Initial Weight Analysis Methods - Detailed Weight Analysis Methods - Statistical Weight Analysis Methods - Direct Weight Analysis Methods
Cost Analysis
- Elements of Life-Cycle Cost - Sustainability, End of Life Considerations - Production, Operation and Maintenance Costs
Performance and Aerodynamics
- Aerofoil Geometries - Forces and Moments - High Lift Devices - Wingtip Design - Take-off - Climb - Cruise - Range Analysis - Descent - Landing
Project Brief
Initially, the team will be presented with a conceptual design and a budget. The team will have to produce a: - Design Specification - Objectives - Literature search - Project management plan - Address any ethical issues in relation to the design - Assess the sustainability of the design. The supervisor will discuss the assessment plan with the team to ensure a clear understanding
Team structure
Team members will be assigned responsibilities for the following key areas: Team leader ( rotating position between team members) Propulsion system Aerodynamics Control system Software / Hardware design System Integration Testing Quality control / budget costs
Presentation
The student will be required to make presentations on the progress of their project. A final presentation by the team or member on the completed design
Thesis
Formal report on the final project
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment60.00%
Project40.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
In-class assessment, written or online
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Analysis and interpretation of design data assessment
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
The final report is assessed on: Conducting a literature survey using available resources. Carrying out a project plan. Initial concept designs. Evaluating design and iterating through out the process to meet the specification. Effort and participation as a team, design innovation and skill in report writing.
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Design techniques and aircraft case studies 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Laboratory Contact Software labs and group work 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Independent Learning Time Non Contact No Description 15 Weeks per Stage 5.13 77
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Daniel P. Raymer. (2018), Aircraft Design, 6th. Amer Inst of Aeronautics & Astronautics, p.1062, [ISBN: 1624104908].
  • Snorri Gudmundsson. (2013), General Aviation Aircraft Design, Butterworth-Heinemann, p.1048, [ISBN: 9780123973290].
  • Nigel J. Smith. Engineering Project Management, Wiley-Blackwell, p.400, [ISBN: 1405168021].
  • Charles E. Harris, Jr.,Michael S. Pritchard,Michael J. Rabins,Ray James,Elaine Englehardt. (2018), Engineering Ethics: Concepts and Cases, 6th. Cengage Learning, p.336, [ISBN: 1337554502].
  • Elizabeth Hoppe. (2018), Ethical Issues in Aviation, 2nd. Routledge, p.362, [ISBN: 1472470869].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • James G. Speight,Russell Foote. (2011), Ethics in Science and Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, p.320, [ISBN: 047062602X].
  • Thomas C. Corke. (2003), Design of Aircraft, 1st. Pearson College Division, p.391, [ISBN: 0130892343].
  • Jan Roskam,Chuan-Tau Edward Lan. (1997), Airplane Aerodynamics and Performance, DARcorporation, p.711, [ISBN: 1884885446].
  • Darrol Stinton. (2001), The Design of the Aeroplane, 2nd. Wiley-Blackwell, p.684, [ISBN: 0632054018].
  • [compiled by] Deborah G. Johnson. (1991), Ethical issues in engineering, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., [ISBN: 0132905787].
  • Charles Stephen Lessard. (2007), Project Management for Engineering Design, Morgan & Claypool Publishers, p.110, [ISBN: 1598291742].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: