B8229 - AIRCRAFT DESIGN

Learning outcomes

The student gains a deep understanding of the fundamental methodologies adopted for the conceptual and preliminary design of commercial aircraft, starting from the mission requirements and taking into account all the major technical, regulation and environmental constraints. The design is conceived in an integrated multidisciplinary environment, with a careful analysis of the most advanced optimization techniques. During the course, the students are involved in the complete design of a realistic configuration, from the preliminary sizing and vehicle configuration, considering aerodynamics, flight mechanics, propulsion and structural constraints. Finally, a cost analysis will be performed. Furthermore, the lessons learned from accidents and incidents that have occurred throughout the history of aviation and which have transformed aerospace structural design methodologies will be explored in depth.

Course contents

The course consists of a series of lectures covering the evolution of aircraft design, from its historical foundations to the systematic procedures involved in the preliminary design of airborne vehicles. Practical exercises and project-based assignments are integrated throughout the course to promote collaborative learning, critical thinking, and the application of theoretical concepts to realistic engineering problems.

The lectures are organised into the following modules:

1. Introduction to Aircraft Design

• Definition and principles of engineering design
• Aircraft design phases and development process
• Aeronautical certification frameworks (EASA and FAA)

2. Mission Requirements and Analysis

3. Preliminary Sizing (1)

• Weight Estimation

4. Aerodynamic Configuration

• Airfoil selection
• Wing and tail geometry
• Drag polar analysis

5. Preliminary Sizing (2)

• Wing loading
• Power loading and thrust-to-weight ratio

6. Stability and Control

7. Propulsion Systems

8. Aircraft Structures and Materials

9. Cost Analysis

 

Prerequisites. General knowledge of mathematics, physics, and engineering subjects acquired in the bachelor’s degree programme.

Readings/Bibliography

• Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach – Daniel P. Raymer
• Aircraft Design Projects for engineering students – Lloyd R. Jenkinson & Jim Marchman
• General Aviation Aircraft Design: Applied Methods and Procedures – Snorri Gudmundsson
• Introduction to Aircraft Design – John P. Fielding
• Airplane Design – Jan Roskam

Teaching methods

The course employs the following teaching methods:

• Lectures
• In-class exercises
• Student presentations
• Group work and project-based activities

Assessment methods

Assessment Methods

The assessment consists of two independent components: an Individual Assessment and a Group Assignment. Students must complete both components and obtain a passing mark (18 or above) in each to receive a final grade. The final grade will be calculated as the average of the marks obtained in the two components. During the examination period, students may choose whether to complete the Group Assignment before the Individual Assessment, or vice versa.

• Individual Assignment

  The Individual Assessment consists of a written examination covering the principles and methodologies of preliminary aircraft design. The examination includes both multiple-choice and open-ended questions.

  The written examination will be offered on designated dates, with a minimum of six examination opportunities available each academic year. Examination dates will be published on the dedicated page of the course website.

  The assessment will primarily focus on the topics covered during the lectures. However, questions may also address fundamental concepts and general engineering principles relevant to preliminary aircraft design.

• Group Assignment

Students will be required to develop a preliminary aircraft design project by applying the methodologies and concepts presented during the course. The project will be carried out in groups consisting of a minimum of three and a maximum of six students.

The deliverables for the group assignment will be:

• Technical report
• Oral presentation

The final version of the technical report must be submitted by email to the instructor at least 30 days before the project presentation. The presentation date will be scheduled by the instructor, taking into consideration students’ requests and organisational requirements.

Evaluation Criteria

The individual test will be graded based on the correctness of the given answers.

The project deliverables will be assessed according to the following criteria:

• Project management and organisation
• Compliance with mission requirements and design objectives
• Quality of presentation and defence of the project
• Technical soundness and feasibility of the proposed design

At the end of the project, each student will be required to evaluate their own contribution and each group member's contribution. This peer- and self-assessment process will provide additional information regarding the distribution of work within the team and support a fair evaluation of individual participation.

Proper behaviour during exams
In accordance with the University Code of Ethics (Codice Etico di Ateneo), students’ attention is drawn to the obligation to adopt conduct based on the highest standards of integrity.
Any activity that may compromise the proper conduct of examinations is prohibited, including but not limited to:
• cheating and plagiarism;
• access to online learning resources;
• use of artificial intelligence tools not expressly authorised;
• use or possession of unauthorised materials or equipment.
It is specified that the mere possession of unauthorised tools or materials during the conduct of any examination results in the immediate invalidation of the submitted work and notification to the competent offices.
Any conduct in violation of the above provisions may result in disciplinary proceedings and, where criminal relevance applies, reports to the competent authorities, with the consequent risk of criminal proceedings being initiated against the students involved.


USE of AI
- Written Examination
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools of any kind is strictly and entirely prohibited during the written examination. The only items permitted on the desk are: a calculator, a pen, a ruler, a pencil, and an eraser. Water and tissues are also permitted. No other electronic devices, materials, or tools are allowed.
Any student found in possession of any device, material, or tool other than those explicitly listed above will be considered in violation of the integrity of the examination. The student will be asked to leave the examination room immediately, their exam paper will be invalidated, and the matter will be reported to the competent academic authorities for further action.

- Written Report
For the written report, a limited, declared, and non-substantial use of AI is permitted, solely for supporting purposes such as summarising or rephrasing existing content. Any such use must be explicitly disclosed in the report, specifying: (i) which sections or parts of the work involved AI assistance, (ii) which AI tool was used, and (iii) which parts of the final text resulted from that assistance.
Substantial use of AI to carry out significant portions of the work is not permitted. Extensive or pervasive use of AI in the preparation of the report will render the report invalid, regardless of whether it has been disclosed.

- Oral Presentation (Slides / PowerPoint or Equivalent)
For the preparation of the presentation (PowerPoint or other equivalent format), the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools is permitted exclusively as support for graphic design and visual layout (e.g., slide formatting, image selection, template design, visual aesthetics). AI tools may not be used to generate the content, arguments, analysis, or conclusions of the presentation, which must be entirely the result of the student's own study and understanding.
Any use of AI beyond graphic support, or any inability of the student to demonstrate genuine understanding and ownership of the presented material during the oral discussion, will be considered a violation of the integrity of the examination and will be evaluated accordingly by the instructor, up to and including invalidation of the exam.

 

Teaching tools

Teaching activities will be conducted primarily through in-person lectures, group exercises, project work, and open discussions. In addition to the traditional blackboard, teaching may be supported by computers, tablets, presentation software, and multimedia projection systems.

Office hours

See the website of Maria Pia Falaschetti