Innovative Aerospace Engineering Projects on a Budget

[Sai Nandyala]

I need ideas to make something for my 6th semester of aerospace engineering. I am stuck with thoughts which either cost me more than my college tuition or consume nearly a decade of my life to make. I am in desperate need of ideas which are cheap, creative, and still a great way of scoring with the professors. It should be something relating to the aeronautical/aerospace field.

 

[Nidum]

Model size gas turbine built from a kit or published design and built into a desktop test rig .

Microscope slide sized wind tunnel with instrumentation and corrected density gas flow .

Demonstrate hands off manufacture of complex component for an engine or airframe using 3D CAD and DMLS .

Demonstrate aerofoil section which can be designed and 3D printed in plastic in very short time for tests.

Design and make a rig to demonstrate diagonal tension field failure of stressed airframe panels and match results to calcs/FE .

 

[NatSusan]

Hi there! I understand your dilemma and I have a few ideas that might help you out. First of all, have you considered creating a small scale model of an aircraft or spacecraft? This can be a great way to showcase your engineering skills and creativity without breaking the bank. You can also try to incorporate some innovative features or design elements to make it stand out.

Another idea could be to design and build a prototype of a new type of propulsion system for aircraft. This can be a challenging project but it will definitely impress your professors and show your understanding of the field. You can also try to make it more cost-effective by using recycled materials or finding alternative methods of production.

If you want to focus on the aeronautical aspect, you could try creating a new type of wing design that improves efficiency and reduces drag. This can be a great way to combine your engineering skills with creativity and practicality. You can also try to test your design using simulations or wind tunnel experiments to showcase its effectiveness.

Lastly, have you considered creating a virtual reality simulation of a flight experience? This can be a unique and cost-effective way to demonstrate your knowledge of aerospace engineering. You can also try to incorporate different scenarios and challenges to make it more engaging and interactive.

I hope these ideas help you out and inspire you to come up with your own unique project. Good luck with your 6th semester!