AEROSP 740 - Complex Systems Design & Integration

Course Description: Examines computational methods for the analysis, understanding, and optimization of complex aerospace systems. Covers design of experiments, surrogate modeling, sensitivity analysis, and multi-criteria decision-making techniques. Topics also include principles of electrified aircraft propulsion systems (encompassing all-, hybrid-, and turbo-electric), energy-based mission analysis, and methods for co-optimization of aircraft, propulsion system, and energy and power management. (3 credits)

Click here to download the course syllabus.

Topics covered:

–Future flight concepts - a brief overview

• Environmental sustainability challenges and opportunities in aviation
• Novel propulsion technologies (electrification, batteries, hydrogen, etc.)
• Safety and certification considerations
• Economic and life-cycle considerations

–Physics-based modeling for hybrid systems

• Propulsion system architectures and components
• Energy-based flight mission performance analysis
• Operational considerations; energy and power management strategies
• Aircraft and propulsion system sizing and synthesis
• Co-optimization of system, sub-systems, and hybrid operations

–Statistical methods and data-driven modeling

• Basic introduction to probability and statistics
• Analysis of main and interaction effects (Screening, Morris method, Pareto charts)
• Sampling methods: Design of Experiments (full and partial factorials, space-filling designs including Latin Hypercubes, Monte Carlo sampling)
• Linear and non-linear regressions and surrogate modeling techniques (Response Surface Methodology, Radial Basis Functions, Kriging, Artificial Neural Nets)
• Model adequacy checks, residual analysis, validation, testing
• Multi-dimensional trade studies using prediction profiles
• Sensitivity analysis

Coursework: Regular assignments and quizzes. Final Project: Choose a topic from a set of complex system problems or define your own to apply theoretical concepts covered. Apply methods learned throughout the semester. Deliver a final project presentation and a report.

Course requirements: Basic programming proficiency is assumed for all students. Students are free to choose their preferred programming languages or software tools for their assignments. A background in statistics, aircraft or propulsion system design is advantageous but not required. The course is accessible to students from various backgrounds.