Aerospace Systems Engineering, MSASE

Program Description:

The Master of Science in Aerospace Systems Engineering (M.S.A.S.E.) program is designed to provide graduate study opportunities focused on theoretical study and practical experience in aerospace systems engineering that will effectively prepare them for the job markets or further doctoral study. The M.S.A.S.E. program differs from traditional Aerospace Engineering programs in that it requires breadth via requirement of cross disciplinary study modeled after our highly ranked PhD program and thus forms both the strongly needed systems understanding required in modern aerospace programs as well as a natural stepping stone for a PhD program.

Admissions Requirements:

Students must first satisfy basic requirements of the Graduate School. This includes having a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related area with an overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.4 (on a 4.0 scale)
International students need additional information in a complete admission package (including a TOEFL score minimum 89, IELTS score minimum 6.0, and financial information). International student admission packages are sent to the International Student Admissions Office before forwarding to the department for review and recommendation and will require sufficient evidence that they would be able to obtain employment upon completion (not typically possible for DoD, work which forms the bulk of the Dayton region)
A GRE is required with a combined GRE score of 304 (1000 under the old system) with a quantitative score of 158 or above and an analytical writing GRE score of 3.5 out of 6.0
Three letters of recommendation
A personal statement of goals and experience

Program Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate a knowledge of fluid or structural systems related to the aerospace field.
Demonstrate competency in a type of numerical methods related to the aerospace field.
Demonstrate engineering competency in one of the following sub‐specialties: Industrial and Human Systems, Sensors and Signals, Materials and Nanotechnology, Controls and Robotics, Computer Science, or Medical/Biological Systems
Recognize the need for life‐long learning.
Demonstrate their ability to communicate engineering ideas and techniques.
Demonstrate a mathematical competency above that of an undergraduate engineering student.

Facilities:

The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering is housed in the newly-renovated Russ Engineering Center. Many outstanding facilities are available for both teaching and research. Access to modern equipment, instrumentation, and computer systems similar to those used by industry is a critical part of an engineering education. Laboratories specifically dedicated to student and faculty research exist in the areas of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, mechanical vibrations, micro-fabrication, materials testing, materials processing, electron microscopy, etc. Computational facilities include numerous PC clusters, workstations, X-windowing terminals, and personal computers. Students have access to a wide range of computer systems interconnected by local and wide-area networks. Access is also available to the Ohio Supercomputer via the Ohio Academic and Research Network (OARNET).

Graduate students have access to a wide range of modern facilities at Wright State including classrooms, laboratories, and computer systems interconnected by local and wide-area communication networks. Graduate research is not limited to the facilities on campus.

Several industrial companies and laboratories at WBAFP are involved in joint research efforts with the university and have unique facilities that are available for faculty and graduate research.

For additional information:

Program Requirements:

Dept Core and Electives

I. Core Classes: 12 Hours

1) Choose 2 from the Following:

ME 7340 - Computational Fluid Dynamics Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 7120 - Finite Element Method Applications Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 7080 - Multidisciplinary Structural Optimization Credit Hour(s): 3

2) Choose 2 from the Following:

ME 6330 - Compressible Fluid Flow Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 6340 - Simulation of Thermal-Fluids Problems with Advanced Engineering Software Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 6350 - Mechanics of Viscous Fluids Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 6430 - Aeronautics Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 6440 - Aerospace Propulsion Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 6490 - Aerospace Structures Credit Hour(s): 3
ME 6120 - Finite Element Analysis Credit Hour(s): 3

II. Subspecialty: 6 Hours

A two-course sub-specialty sequence, at least one of which must be at the 7xxx level:

Industrial and Human Systems
Sensors and Signals
Materials and Nanotechnology
Controls and Robotics
Computer Science
Medical/Biological Systems

Ill. Math Course: 3 Hours

MTH 6050 - Advanced Engineering Mathematics Credit Hour(s): 3

IV. Thesis or Non-Thesis Options: 9-0 Hours

Thesis option
Master’s thesis (EGR 79XX)
Non-thesis option
3 additional 3 credit hour courses

V. Electives: 0-9 Hours

As necessary for credit hour total

Note(s):

At least 15 credit hours of coursework must be taken at the 7xxx level for the non-thesis option. At least 6 credit hours of coursework must be taken at the 7xxx level for the thesis option. Core and subspecialty courses taken as an undergraduate may be applied to fulfill content requirements. If so, advisor approved courses must be taken to meet the 30-hour requirement.

This is less than a 49% difference from the existing Mechanical Engineering: Thermal Fluids track MS in Engineering. Consider the following scenarios:

Thesis Option (30 hours):

Following a thesis option, 9 hours of each are dedicated to thesis, 3 hours to MTH 6050 , and the Mechanical Engineering Thermal fluid track contains room for 9 hours of electives, which would be filled by the 2 core classes in category a). This is a total of 18 of 30 hours common. Further, ME 7340 is a core course for each.

Non-thesis option (30 hours).

The 9 hours of replacement courses for the thesis can be equivalent between the programs (ME Thermal Fluids and Aero). The Mech Engg Thermal fluid track contains room for 9 hours of electives, which would be filled by the 2 core classes in category a). This is a total of 18 of 30 hours common. Further, ME 7340 is a core course for each.

Research/Areas of Expertise:

Seven of the faculty members of the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering are either Associate Fellows (4) or Fellows (3). Research in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering spans several exciting areas. There is a large program in design optimization addressing large structures, die shapes, flight trajectories, and other applications. Work is also being done in structural dynamics areas including vehicle suspensions and turbine blades. Mechanical design studies include the characterization of carbon-carbon composites. Fluid dynamics research is being conducted both experimentally and via computer computation (CFD). Projects include study of flows in turbine engines and reciprocating compressors. There is also a large thermal science program in the analysis and application of heat pipes and related devices.