Integration of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Preliminary Design Capstone Courses

This is one of two papers describing the propulsion capstone design experience at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. In 2007, we began accepting freshmen into our Mechanical Engineering (ME) program. In the 2010-2011 academic year, we offered for the first time the new ME capstone design courses with concentrations in either air-breathing propulsion or robotics. This paper describes the propulsion preliminary design course; a second paper will focus on the follow-on propulsion detail design course. The first graduating class of ME majors included three students in the propulsion track. The mutual dependence of the new propulsion track and well-established aircraft preliminary design course under our Aerospace Engineering (AE) program made the integration of the ME propulsion and AE aircraft projects an attractive proposition. This paper discusses this teamed relationship and associated challenges, the design process, the various design phases throughout the semester, and some details of the resulting engine cycle and preliminary component designs for the inlet, nozzle, compressor, and turbine. In addition, the assessment of the course outcomes: demonstrating communication competence and proficiency in engineering design via a capstone experience, by members of our Industrial Advisory Board will be discussed. As this was the first time the course was offered with a small group of students, this paper will also discuss the lessons learned as well as future adaptations that will be needed as the population of students within the propulsion track increases as the overall ME program grows.