Courses Aerodynamics and flight mechanics for control engineering

AI Thread Summary
A strong interest in aviation and aerodynamics can complement an Electrical Engineering (EE) background, particularly in the field of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) engineering. While many engineers writing aerospace firmware may not require extensive knowledge of aerodynamics, those involved in deriving control laws should have a solid understanding of flight mechanics and aerodynamics for effective system modeling. An EE student with experience in Fluid Mechanics is well-positioned to transition into GNC roles, where collaboration with aerodynamics specialists is common. Overall, a blend of EE skills and aerodynamics knowledge can be beneficial in the aerospace industry.
navierstokes
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I have a huge interest in aviation and aerodynamics, despite being an EE student. I took Fluid Mechanics courses as electives, and I'm learning some aerodynamics on my own. I was thinking if there is any field of work where the knowledge of both an EE and aerodynamics/flight mechanics would be useful, and I've thought about control engineering (GNC engineering).

I wonder how much aerodynamics should a GNC engineer know to write control codes for aerospace firmware. I think it would be an exciting field to be in. Any ideas?
 
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navierstokes said:
I have a huge interest in aviation and aerodynamics, despite being an EE student. I took Fluid Mechanics courses as electives, and I'm learning some aerodynamics on my own. I was thinking if there is any field of work where the knowledge of both an EE and aerodynamics/flight mechanics would be useful, and I've thought about control engineering (GNC engineering).

I wonder how much aerodynamics should a GNC engineer know to write control codes for aerospace firmware. I think it would be an exciting field to be in. Any ideas?
For writing the actual firmware, many engineers know very little aerodynamics! Many of the firmware guys are EEs or CEs and would be given requirements by the aerodynamics guys and work with them.

With a EE background and also a few fluids classes you would be well suited to move into the GNC group.
 
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donpacino said:
For writing the actual firmware, many engineers know very little aerodynamics! Many of the firmware guys are EEs or CEs and would be given requirements by the aerodynamics guys and work with them.

With a EE background and also a few fluids classes you would be well suited to move into the GNC group.

Are people in GNC group divided between those who write the actual firmware and those who derive the control laws? If so, I imagine that those who derive control laws should be familiar with things like flight mechanics and aerodynamics for system modelling and so. Is this right?
 

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