Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering Flashcards
7 cards from real BE/B Eng Bachelor of Engineering practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering flashcards as text
What is the significance of the Prandtl-Glauert singularity in transonic aerodynamics?
Answer: It is a mathematical divergence in the linearized compressibility correction near Mach 1
The Prandtl-Glauert correction factor (1/√(1-M²)) diverges as M→1, indicating that linear theory breaks down in the transonic regime where nonlinear effects dominate.
Which type of satellite orbit provides continuous coverage of the polar regions and is ideal for Earth observation?
Answer: Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO)
Sun-synchronous orbits have near-polar inclinations (~98°) that precess to maintain a constant angle with the Sun, providing consistent lighting conditions for repeat imaging of all latitudes.
In structural analysis, what does the term 'margin of safety' (MS) represent?
Answer: The fractional reserve strength beyond the design limit condition
MS = (Allowable Load / Applied Load) - 1, so MS = 0 means the structure is exactly at its limit and any positive value indicates reserve strength.
What is the primary function of a thermal protection system (TPS) on a re-entry vehicle?
Answer: To protect the vehicle from aerodynamic heating during atmospheric entry
During re-entry, aerodynamic deceleration converts enormous kinetic energy into heat; the TPS (tiles, ablators, or TUFI coatings) absorbs or reradiates this heat to keep the structure intact.
In propulsion, what does the term 'specific impulse' (Isp) fundamentally measure?
Answer: The thrust produced per unit weight flow rate of propellant
Isp = Thrust / (ṁ × g₀) in seconds, representing how efficiently a propellant produces thrust — higher Isp means more thrust per pound of propellant consumed per second.
Which aerodynamic phenomenon is responsible for the induced drag on a finite wing?
Answer: Pressure differential between upper and lower surfaces causing spanwise flow and trailing vortices
Spanwise pressure gradients cause air to flow around the wingtips, creating trailing vortices that tilt the lift vector rearward, producing drag — this is induced (vortex) drag.
What does the term 'specific excess power' (Ps) indicate in aircraft performance?
Answer: The rate at which an aircraft can simultaneously increase both speed and altitude
Ps = (T-D)V/W in ft/s, representing the energy rate available to increase kinetic or potential energy, enabling simultaneous acceleration and climb.