What is Aeronautical Engineering?
Aeronautical engineering is a branch of aerospace engineering, though some people use the two terms interchangeably. The field encompasses aircraft design, and the management of the physical forces that act on aircraft. These primarily include the sciences of propulsion and aerodynamics. Many would also consider that aeronautical engineering covers the development and selection of materials and equipment that are utilized on aircraft. In short, it is a broad field that intersects with many other disciplines.
Aerodynamics is at the heart of aeronautical engineering. This is the study of the relationship between air and solid materials. Aeronautical engineers place particular emphasis on the design of airfoils, more commonly known as wings. An airfoil is a device that uses its shape to produce lift when moved through air, thereby counteracting the force of gravity. Moreover, by changing the shape of an airfoil in flight, either by bending it, or by attaching smaller, movable airfoils, the direction of an aircraft may be controlled.
Propulsion is another important aspect of aeronautical engineering. It is the force which allows an airplane to remain in flight, and encompasses the design and implementation of engines. Without propulsion, an aircraft can only fly for a very limited amount of time and distance.
Two basic considerations go into the choice of materials for aircraft design: strength and weight. Airfoils, as well as other portions of an aircraft, are subjected to significant forces while in flight. If the construction materials are not strong enough, the structure will fail and break apart. On the other hand, the material also must be relatively light in weight or else the engines will not be able to generate enough propulsion to sustain flight. Therefore, the selection of materials is a crucial area of specialization for the aeronautical engineer.
Modern aircraft make use of a plethora of on-board equipment, ranging from electronic devices designed to provide information to the pilot, to such things as pressurization, climate control, seating, toilets, and landing gear. In each area, the aeronautical engineer must work out the trade-off between utility versus added weight. In many cases, unique devices and systems must be developed in order to make the trade-off acceptable. For example, the toilet on a modern airliner is a far more expensive and specialized device than the toilet in a residential home. However, it weighs much less, and functions more efficiently in an airborne environment.
Aeronautical engineers tend to specialize in one or more of the areas above, but at the same time, they must be prepared to work in close cooperation with other specialists involved in designing aircraft. It is not unusual for them to have Master's degrees, or even Doctorates in their chosen field of specialization. The first airplane was designed by a pair of bicycle makers, who worked on it largely as a hobby. A modern airplane, however, is an incredibly complex device, and designing one often requires the collaboration of hundreds of people. Aeronautical engineers make up a fundamental part of this collaboration.
Written by Andrew Jones
