COURSE DESCRIPTION
16.885J offers a holistic view of the aircraft as a system, covering: basic systems engineering; cost and weight estimation; basic aircraft performance; safety and reliability; lifecycle topics; aircraft subsystems; risk analysis and management; and system realization. Small student teams retrospectively analyze an existing aircraft covering: key design drivers and decisions; aircraft attributes and subsystems; and operational experience. Oral and written versions of the case study are delivered. For the Fall 2005 term, the class focuses on a systems engineering analysis of the Space Shuttle. It offers study of both design and operations of the shuttle, with frequent lectures by outside experts. Students choose specific shuttle systems for detailed analysis and develop new subsystem designs using state of the art technology.
Syllabus
Course Meeting Times
Lectures: Two sessions / week, 2 hours / session
Course Overview
16.885J offers a holistic view of the aircraft as a system, covering: basic systems engineering; cost and weight estimation; basic aircraft performance; safety and reliability; lifecycle topics; aircraft subsystems; risk analysis and management; and system realization. Small student teams retrospectively analyze an existing aircraft covering: key design drivers and decisions; aircraft attributes and subsystems; and operational experience. Oral and written versions of the case study are delivered. For the Fall 2005 term, the class focuses on a systems engineering analysis of the Space Shuttle. It offers study of both design and operations of the shuttle, with frequent lectures by outside experts. Students choose specific shuttle systems for detailed analysis and develop new subsystem designs using state of the art technology.
Guest lecturers include Aaron Cohen, Dale Myers, John Logsdon, Tom Moser, J. R. Thompson, Bass Redd, Allen Louviere, Henry Pohl, Robert Seamans, Bob Ried, Walter Guy, Robert Sieck, Sheila Widnall, Philip Hattis, Christopher Kraft, Wayne Hale, Anthony Lavoie, Peter Young, and Gordon Fullerton.
Students are expected to attend class and participate in group discussion. They are also directed to form teams to complete a paper of original research, focusing on a specific area of the Space Shuttle to upgrade using today’s technology.
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Lecture 1: The Origins of the Space Shuttle
Topics covered: The Origins of the Space Shuttle
Instructor: Prof. Hoffman, Prof. Cohen, Guest Lecturer - Dale Myers
Lecture 2: Space Shuttle History
Topics covered: Space Shuttle History
Instructor: Prof. Cohen
Lecture 3: Orbiter Sub-System Design
Topics covered: Orbiter Sub-System Design
Instructor: Prof. Cohen
Lecture 4: The Decision to Build the Shuttle
Topics covered: The Decision to Build the Shuttle
Instructor: Guest Lecturer - Prof. John Logsdon
Lecture 5: Orbiter Structure + Thermal Protection System
Topics covered: Orbiter Structure + Thermal Protection System
Instructor: Guest Lecturer - Tom Moser
Lecture 6: Propulsion - Space Shuttle Main Engines
Topics covered: Propulsion - Space Shuttle Main Engines
Instructor: Guest Lecturer - J. R. Thompson
Lecture 7: Aerodynamics - (From Sub - to Hypersonic and Back)
Topics covered: Aerodynamics - (From Sub - to Hypersonic and Back)
Instructor: Guest Lecturer - Bass Redd
Lecture 8: Landing and Mechanical Systems
Topics covered: Landing and Mechanical Systems
Instructor: Guest Lecturer - Al Louviere
Lecture 9: OMS, RCS, Fuel Cells, Auxiliary Power Unit and Hydraulic Systems
Topics covered: OMS, RCS, Fuel Cells, Auxiliary Power Unit and Hydraulic Systems
Instructor: Guest Lecturer - Henry Pohl
Lecture 10: The DoD and the Space Shuttle
Topics covered: The DoD and the Space Shuttle
Instructor: Guest Lecturer - Col. Pete Young
Lecture 11: Use of Subsystems as a Function of Flight Phase
Topics covered: Use of Subsystems as a Function of Flight Phase
Instructor: Prof. Hoffman
Lecture 12: Aerothermodynamics
Topics covered: Aerothermodynamics
Instructor: Guest Lecturer - Bob Ried
Lecture 13: Environmental Control Systems
Topics covered: Environmental Control Systems
Instructor: Guest Lecturer - Walt Guy
Lecture 14: Ground Operations - Launching the Shuttle
Topics covered: Ground Operations ‑ Launching the Shuttle
Instructor: Guest Lecturer ‑ Bob Sieck
Lecture 15: Space Shuttle Accidents
Topics covered: Space Shuttle Accidents
Instructor: Guest Lecturer ‑ Prof. Sheila Widnall
Lecture 16: Guidance, Navigation and Control
Topics covered: Guidance, Navigation and Control
Instructor: Guest Lecturer ‑ Phil Hattis
Lecture 17: Mission Control 1
Topics covered: Mission Control 1
Instructor: Guest Lecturer ‑ Chris Kraft
Lecture 18: Mission Control 2
Topics covered: Mission Control 2
Instructor: Guest Lecturer ‑ Wayne Hale
Lecture 19: Design Process as it Relates to the Shuttle
Topics covered: Design Process as it Relates to the Shuttle
Instructor: Prof. Cohen
Lecture 20: EVA and Robotics on the Shuttle
Topics covered: EVA and Robotics on the Shuttle
Instructor: Prof. Hoffman
Lecture 21: Systems Engineering for Space Shuttle Payloads
Topics covered: Systems Engineering for Space Shuttle Payloads
Instructor: Guest Lecturer ‑ Anthony Lavoie
Lecture 22: Test Flying the Space Shuttle
Topics covered: Test Flying the Space Shuttle
Instructor: Guest Lecturer ‑ Col. Gordon Fullerton
