7 Things Aerospace Engineers Actually Do

Aerospace engineers are often perceived as working on exciting projects, such as designing spacecraft or developing new aircraft. While this is true, their work encompasses a broader range of responsibilities and activities. Here are 7 things aerospace engineers actually do:

Understanding the Basics of Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace engineers working on a project

Aerospace engineering is a field that deals with the design, development, and operation of vehicles that operate in the Earth's atmosphere or in space. Aerospace engineers apply mathematical and scientific principles to develop and test aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles.

Key Responsibilities of Aerospace Engineers

Aerospace engineers perform a variety of tasks, including:

Designing and developing new aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles
Testing and evaluating the performance of vehicles
Developing and testing new materials and technologies
Collaborating with other engineers and technicians to solve problems
Analyzing data and making recommendations for improvement

Designing and Developing New Vehicles

Aerospace engineers designing an aircraft

One of the primary responsibilities of aerospace engineers is to design and develop new vehicles. This involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed designs and models of aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. Aerospace engineers must consider a range of factors, including the vehicle's purpose, size, shape, and materials.

Types of Vehicles Designed by Aerospace Engineers

Aerospace engineers design and develop a variety of vehicles, including:

Commercial aircraft, such as passenger planes and cargo planes
Military aircraft, such as fighter jets and bombers
Spacecraft, such as satellites and space shuttles
Missiles, such as ballistic missiles and cruise missiles

Testing and Evaluating Vehicle Performance

Once a vehicle has been designed and developed, aerospace engineers must test and evaluate its performance. This involves conducting a range of tests, including flight tests, ground tests, and simulation tests. Aerospace engineers use data from these tests to identify areas for improvement and make recommendations for changes.

Types of Tests Conducted by Aerospace Engineers

Aerospace engineers conduct a variety of tests, including:

Flight tests, such as flight simulations and actual flight tests
Ground tests, such as structural tests and system tests
Simulation tests, such as wind tunnel tests and computer simulations

Developing and Testing New Materials and Technologies

Aerospace engineers testing new materials

Aerospace engineers are constantly looking for new materials and technologies to improve the performance and efficiency of vehicles. This involves researching and developing new materials, such as advanced composites and smart materials, and testing their properties and performance.

Examples of New Materials and Technologies

Aerospace engineers are developing and testing a range of new materials and technologies, including:

Advanced composites, such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP)
Smart materials, such as shape memory alloys (SMAs)
New propulsion systems, such as electric propulsion and advanced ion engines

Collaborating with Other Engineers and Technicians

Aerospace engineers collaborating with other engineers

Aerospace engineers often work in teams with other engineers and technicians to design, develop, and test vehicles. This involves collaborating with experts in other fields, such as aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion, to ensure that all aspects of the vehicle are properly integrated and functioning.

Benefits of Collaboration

Collaboration is essential in aerospace engineering, as it allows engineers to:

Share knowledge and expertise
Identify and solve complex problems
Develop innovative solutions

Analyzing Data and Making Recommendations

Aerospace engineers must analyze data from tests and simulations to identify areas for improvement and make recommendations for changes. This involves using statistical techniques and data analysis software to interpret data and identify trends.

Tools Used for Data Analysis

Aerospace engineers use a range of tools for data analysis, including:

Statistical software, such as MATLAB and R
Data analysis software, such as Excel and Tableau
Simulation software, such as ANSYS and COMSOL

Conclusion

Aerospace engineers play a critical role in designing, developing, and testing vehicles that operate in the Earth's atmosphere and in space. Their work involves a range of activities, from designing and developing new vehicles to testing and evaluating their performance. By understanding the basics of aerospace engineering and the key responsibilities of aerospace engineers, we can appreciate the complexity and challenge of this field.