What Field Do These This Fall Under

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the scientific and engineering fields relevant to fly-by-wire control systems in aircraft and spacecraft, as well as their integration with technologies like GPS and automotive systems. Participants explore the intersections of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science in these contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that fly-by-wire control systems primarily fall under Mechanical Engineering or its subspecialty, Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering.
  • Others argue that Computer Science and Mathematics play a role in developing algorithms for integrating fly-by-wire systems with GPS and other controls.
  • A participant questions the mechanical engineering aspect of GPS technology, suggesting a need for clarification on its classification.
  • There is a suggestion that Electrical Engineering is responsible for building computers and satellite systems, particularly in the context of satellite communication.
  • One participant mentions various considerations for integrating systems, such as shielding from electromagnetic interference and environmental testing, indicating a multidisciplinary approach.
  • A later reply references Wikipedia to inquire about specific sub-disciplines within Electrical Engineering that might apply to the discussed technologies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the primary field of study for fly-by-wire systems and GPS technology, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of the systems involved and the potential overlap between disciplines, but do not resolve the specific classifications or the roles of different engineering fields.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and the integration of technology in transportation systems may find this discussion relevant.

Stratosphere
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A friend of mine ask me what field of science Fly-by-wire control systems of aircraft/space craft falls under. I really didn't know this my self so it made me curious. He also said something about the computers in cars, and GPS.

What are they under, computer science, engineering?
 
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Mechanical Engineering or its subspecialty, Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering

Although you could argue that Computer Science/Mathematics may develop the algorithms to integrate the Fly-by-Wire with GPS, sensors and other controlls or weapons systems, it is still ultimately the MechE's domain.
 
cronxeh said:
Mechanical Engineering or its subspecialty, Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering

Although you could argue that Computer Science/Mathematics may develop the algorithms to integrate the Fly-by-Wire with GPS, sensors and other controlls or weapons systems, it is still ultimately the MechE's domain.

Ah, I see how mechanical engineering takes care of the aircraft and car question but I don't quite see how GPS is mechanical engineering.

That makes me wonder, who builds computers and satellite computers? Electrical Engineers?
 
Last edited:
Well GPS is part of the system, its integrated by whatever means you chose the system to be designed, I am guessing either you have a computer with I/O DAQ for the Fly-by-Wire and serial or USB or Blutooth GPS input. The more advanced and old-school people may have TTL or something else going into their system. Then you have to worry about shielding from EMP if its a fighter jet, interference it may cause to other electronics, mechanical tests to see if the system can withstand the environmental stresses of temperature, humidity, pressure, electromagnetic interference, any possible short circuits that could ignite the wiring, any overload issues, etc.

I'm sure a MechE could find something to spend time looking into.


I'm not familiar with satellite computers. If you are referring to satellite communication systems then that's Electrical Engineering. If you are referring to motherboards, firmware writing, and peripheral accessories for computers, then that's still EE or Computer Engineering. Its mostly all EE for the hardware, and Computer Science for the software.
 

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