SYLLABUS
AERSP 402A, Section 2, Helicopter Preliminary Design
Fall 2013, TR 11:15-12:30, VLRCOE Conf. room, Eng Unit C
Instructors:
Robert C. Bill
207 Engineering Unit C
Billrc2@cox.net
Joseph F. Horn
231C Hammond
joehorn@psu.edu
Edward C. Smith
231D Hammond
ecs5@psu.edu
Course Objectives: Conceptual design of an aircraft, its constituent subsystems, and
related systems, to satisfy a given set of specifications.
Semester General Format:
Tuesdays, focus topic, progress presentation and analysis related to that topic, integration
issues discussed. For the first several weeks topics will generally be identified with
project sub-areas (e.g., lift/propulsor systems, engine and drive system, airframe structure
etc …). The responsible lead for each of these topic areas will be expected to provide the
team with a fairly comprehensive status report, highlighting progress/potential
problems/integration issues/future plans. If necessary a specific topic may be revisited
later in the semester.
Thursdays, follow-up on integration issues, review of status of overall project, selfmanaged team working session (faculty facilitated).
ABET Outcomes: Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
1. Initiate the preliminary design of an aircraft to satisfy mission specifications;
2. Initiate the design of a system, component or process to meet requirements for
aircraft systems;
3. Work in multidisciplinary environment involving the integration of engineering
practices in such subjects as aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and flight
mechanics;
4. Communicate and present effectively, through both written and oral reporting, the
results and consequences of their technical efforts; and
5. Apply guidelines for determining ethical responsibilities to themselves, employers,
and society
Topic List (Subject to Change):
08/27: Review of course requirements; Design Process lecture; Discussion of AHS RFP.
09/03: Review concept candidates and identified technology challenges.
09/10: Initiate GANNT chart process; Review concept candidate screening methodology.
09/17: TRL Concept lecture; GANNT chart review;
Team structure defined (Team lead; tech area focal points).
09/24: Lecture on "Ethics In Engineering"; Individual student progress review
(3x20min).
10/01: Lecture on rotorcraft performance and control; Individual student progress review
(3x20min).
10/08: Lecture on structures and stress analysis; Individual student progress review
(3x20min); Team GANNT Chart status review; First look at critical
path/technologies
10/15: Lecture on propulsion/drivetrains; Individual student progress review (3x20min);
Team Mid Semester presentation and report prep.
10/22: Mid semester presentations by Team; Report submission
10/29: Midterm presentation and report feedback; GANNT Chart update.
11/05: Individual Student progress review (3x20min);
Team GANNT Chart status review; update critical path considerations
11/12: Individual student progress review (3x20min).
11/19: Team finalize concept selection; outline semester final semester report.
12/03: Topic TBD; Preparation of final presentation and report for semester.
12/10: Semester final presentations by team; Report submission
Grading Criteria:
50% Final Report and Presentation
15% Mid-semester Presentation
25% Weekly Contributions
10% Peer Evaluation
Accessibility:
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational
programs. If you have a disability-related need for reasonable academic adjustments in
this course, contact the Office for Disability Services (ODS) at 814-863-1807 (V/TTY).
For further information regarding ODS, please visit the Office for Disability Services
Web site at http://equity.psu.edu/ods/.
In order to receive consideration for course accommodations, you must contact ODS and
provide documentation (see the documentation guidelines at
http://equity.psu.edu/ods/guidelines/documentation-guidelines). If the documentation
supports the need for academic adjustments, ODS will provide a letter identifying
appropriate academic adjustments. Please share this letter and discuss the adjustments
with your instructor as early in the course as possible. You must contact ODS and request
academic adjustment letters at the beginning of each semester.