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Courses - Fall 2023
ENAE
Engineering, Aerospace Department Site
ENAE488N
Topics in Aerospace Engineering; Introduction to Hypersonics
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisites: ENAE311 or enrolled in hypersonics graduate certificate program. Co-requisite: ENAE481 or ENAE483.

Introduces students to the various key aspects of flight at hypersonic speeds. Critical aerodynamic phenomena to be covered includes the qualitative behavior of flow fields in the high-Mach-numberlimit, approximate methods for quantifying surface pressure, and estimates of viscous drag and heating. High-speed air-breathing propulsion systems will be discussed, including cycle analysis and performance metrics for propulsion, with a main emphasis onthe fundamentals of ramjet and scramjet engines. Key Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) concepts for various hypersonic vehicle types will also be introduced, including the design of appropriate flight trajectories and control algorithms to achieve mission goals. Finally, students will be provided with an overview of high-temperature materials, structures, and thermal protection systems.