Introduction
As humans began to fly, first in the atmosphere and then into space, a highly specialized branch of mechanical engineering called aerospace engineering emerged relatively recently in human history. Aeronautical engineering, as it is officially known, is the science that underlies the design and construction of aircraft and spacecraft (astronautical engineering). Everything from gliders to missiles, jet fighters, and space rockets is conceptualized, constructed, and tested by these engineers. As many of the principles governing the flow of air around an aircraft (a fluid) readily translate to the flow of water (also a fluid) around a ship or submarine, many also work in naval design.
A broad range of engineering sciences, including fluid dynamics, structures, control systems, aeroelasticity, thermodynamics, materials science, and electrical engineering, must be mastered by aerospace engineers. Specialization is required because it is perhaps one of the more diverse engineering disciplines. The three main areas of specialization are space vehicles, propulsion, and aeronautics.
Education in Aerospace engineering
Similar to other engineering fields, aerospace engineering education begins accordingly. All American engineers are typically required to complete a four-year Bachelor of Science program at a school that has received ABET accreditation. Regardless of future specialization, all students there first two years go through a somewhat similar program. Numerous math, physics, and chemistry courses are also taken, as well as courses in statics, dynamics, mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and material science. Engineers specialize in their final two years by enrolling in courses related to their chosen area of study. This pertains to aerospace engineering and includes, among other things, aerodynamics, structures, controls, propulsion, and orbital mechanics.
Aerospace engineers have two options after graduation:
“They can either start working right away or continue their education.”
Obtaining a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is an option for some engineers, though it is neither necessary nor typical in the aerospace sector. As there is no aerospace P.E. exam, this would typically be in a related field of mechanical engineering. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (F.E.) exam is the first step in the process, which is then followed by several years of work experience and the P.E. exam.
Best Aerospace Engineering Schools in Newyork
The Aerospace Engineering degree program is ranked #94 in the nation for popularity, so you won’t be the only one if you decide to major in aerospace and aeronautical engineering. As a result, a lot of colleges offer degrees, making it difficult for you to choose one.
In order to create its ranking of the 2023 Best Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Schools in New York, engineeringuniversities.net examined 20 different colleges and universities. 350 degrees in aerospace and aeronautical engineering were awarded to deserving students by these institutions collectively.
Best Aerospace Engineering Schools in Newyork
| Institution | Category | Location | website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaughn College | University | 86-01 23rd Ave | http://www.vaughn.edu/ |
| New York University Tandon School of Engineering | Engineering school | 6 MetroTech Center | http://engineering.nyu.edu/ |
| NYC Center for Aerospace and Applied Mathematics | Education center | 220 Henry St | https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/learning/experiential-learning/nyc-center-for-aerospace-and-applied-mathematics |
| Manhattan College - School Of Engineering | College | 3825 Corlear Ave | http://manhattan.edu/academics/engineering |
| The Grove School of Engineering | College | 275 Convent Ave | https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/engineering/admission |
| Columbia Engineering School | College | 500 W 120th St | http://engineering.columbia.edu/ |
| Bronx Aerospace High School | High school | 800 E Gun Hill Rd | http://bxaerospacehs.org/ |
| Aviation High School | Aviation training institute | 45-30 36th St | http://www.aviationhs.net/ |
| TryEngineering Summer Institute | Summer camp | 86-01 23rd Ave | https://tryengineeringinstitute.ieee.org/engineering-camp/engineering-school-ny/ |
| Marymount Manhattan College | College | 221 E 71st St | http://www.mmm.edu/ |
| Pace University | Private university | One Pace Plaza | https://www.pace.edu/ |
| The Cooper Union | College | 30 Cooper Sq | http://www.cooper.edu/ |
| Manhattan College | College | 4513 Manhattan College Pkwy | http://www.manhattan.edu/ |
| NYU Stern School of Business | University | 44 West 4th Street | https://www.stern.nyu.edu/ |
| New York University | University | Liberal arts-focused private school | https://www.nyu.edu/ |
| Touro University | Graduate school | 3 Times Sq | http://www.touro.edu/ |
| Columbia University | University | Ivy League school founded in 1754 | https://www.columbia.edu/ |
| Columbia University - Department of Mechanical Engineering | University department | 220 S. W. Mudd Building, 500 West 120th Street | http://me.columbia.edu/ |
| The City College of New York | College | 160 Convent Ave | https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/ |
| Columbia College | College | 1130 Amsterdam Ave | http://www.college.columbia.edu/ |
How is AutoCAD used by aerospace engineers?
Due to the nature of the profession, which depends on more complex software to directly model parts in 3D, AutoCAD usage is not widespread across industries. CATIA is the industry standard, but NX and Pro/Engineer are also popular. For preliminary testing or design validation, aerospace engineering also heavily relies on software. Examples include the modeling of loads, deflections, and even heat propagation using finite element analysis (FEA) and software like NASTRAN or ANSYS.
The flow of air around the design is modeled using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and software like Fluent at various speeds and temperatures (also applicable to the flow of water). If you want to learn more about these strategies, look at Appendix B.
For small-part design, aerospace electrical schematics, and overall system layouts, AutoCAD is still available. Due to the associated cost savings, smaller businesses with minimal to no modeling, testing, and manufacturing requirements may also use AutoCAD. Many designers and builders of home kit airplanes used AutoCAD to create drawings or simply to record ideas. As design requirements become more complex and involve testing and manufacturing, there is generally a trend away from AutoCAD.
Salary for Aerospace Engineering packages
Aerospace engineers can typically anticipate starting salaries that are slightly higher than those of graduates in civil, mechanical, and industrial engineering, comparable to those of electrical, and lower than those of petroleum engineers and some computer science degrees. With a bachelor’s degree, starting salaries currently average around $55,000 per year nationwide. A master’s degree is typically the route to higher starting salaries. Of course, a lot depends on the area, the market, and even the graduate’s GPA.
