ME5662-ME5682 Current Topics Assignment 2023-2024
ME5662-ME5682 Current Topics Assignment 2023-2024
ME5662-ME5682 Current Topics Assignment 2023-2024
ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
Module Code: Assessment Title: Assignment Set By:
ME5662/ME5682 Current Topics in Aerospace Assignment Dr James Campbell
Learning outcomes for the assessment (refer Assessment and marking criteria: The students will be
to the appropriate learning outcomes) required to:
• Demonstrate a critical and a broad Prepare two submissions on the same agreed topic:
awareness of current Research and
Development trends in aerospace. 1. Poster presentation (10% of module)
• Critically analyse and interpret specialist Students are required to prepare a poster on their
knowledge in aerospace engineering. topic and present it at a poster session – date to be
• Apply a broad aeronautical knowledge to confirmed.
critique the potential impact of current The poster assessment will be based on the clarity
research and development on future of the poster (50%) and their discussion of the topic
aerospace practice And propose new during the session (50%).
hypothesis where appropriate.
• Demonstrate self-direction, conduct
independent research and apply technical 2. Assignment report (60% of module)
information. Students are required to submit an individual report
• Communicating information, opinions and which satisfies the main objectives of the
arguments coherently and effectively at assessment in the required format by the specified
Master’s level. Use a balanced analysis deadline.
supported by appropriate source The report assessment will be based on the
materials. following categories:
• Introduction, context and current state (40%)
• Technical challenge (30%)
• Future development and potential impact (20%)
• Style and presentation (10%)
Report.
The report must be typed, single spaced, font size 11. Page margins not less than 2cm on all sides.
The report should include the following:
• Cover sheet (must include: title of course work, student name, ID and date)
• Table of Contents.
• Main body of report (divided into subsections as appropriate, including ‘Introduction’ and
‘Summary’)
• References should be presented in a consistent and standard style.
• Acknowledgements
The maximum length of the report is 5,000 words, reports exceeding this length will be penalised. The
guide length of the report is 3,500 to 4,000 words. The maximum word limit DOES NOT include: Title
page, Table of contents, References, Acknowledgements and Appendices.
Poster.
The poster must be prepared as a single page pdf document. All text and figures should be sized to be
legible when printed on A3 paper with standard printer margins.
You are required to prepare a technical report and a poster on a topic agreed with the Module
Leader (Dr James Campbell). A list of suggested topics is in the following section. You may select
a topic from this list or suggest your own. If you suggest a topic it must be discussed and agreed
with the module leader before you start work on the assignment. Any agreed topic must:
• have clear relevance to the design or operation of aerospace vehicles;
• be the subject of current, funded, research and or development;
• have a scope appropriate to the assignment.
Your report must cover the following aspects of your chosen topic.
• Context and current state: [40%]
o The context of the topic within aerospace.
o The wider context of the topic. What are the relevant wider issues that motivate
research in this topic. These issues could include economy, government and
regulation, environment or society.
o The current state of technology, knowledge or practice relevant to the topic.
In addition to the main report you are required to prepare a poster on your topic. The primary
purpose of the posters is to allow students on the module to learn about the other topics
investigated. A copy of all posters will be placed on Brightspace after the poster session.
A poster can be considered as an illustrated summary. Your poster should provide information on
the following three areas:
Timeframe
Content guidance
Length: The report should be 3,500-4,000 words in length. Reports exceeding 5,000 words will
be penalised. Reports under the lower value will not be penalised, however it is unlikely that
a report of less than 3,000 words will be able to cover the topic in appropriate detail and
depth. The maximum word limit DOES NOT include: Title page, Contents list, References
and Appendices.
Style: You are writing a technical report as an engineer and for an engineering audience. Clear
and concise communication is important. Please avoid language more appropriate for
marketing material. Appendices are discouraged and should only be used if absolutely
necessary.
Poster: Submit your poster in pdf format as a separate file to the main report. The poster
should be a single A3 portrait format page.
Topic selection
To select a topic from the list, or propose a different topic, send an e-mail to the module leader
(james.campbell@brunel.ac.uk) with ‘Current Topics in Aerospace – Assignment Topic’ as the
subject. The topic is not agreed until you have received an e-mail from the module leader
confirming your choice.
You are writing a technical report as an engineer and for an engineering audience. Accurate,
concise and clear communication is important.
Acknowledgements
List all the sources of support that you have used in the creation of this report, and describe the
type of support. For example any people you consult or any software you use. Examples are:
• ‘John Smith of Academic Skills Service, who advised me on the use of Vancouver system
of referencing.’
• ‘Jane Smith of Brunel Library who explained how to use Boolean searches in the database
of journals to focus my early searches of literature in the topic’
• “Autodesk Sketch software was used to create figure 4 on page 3.’
• ‘ChatGPT software on page 2, Section 1.3, to enhance the syntax and grammar of the
description of the wider context of the topic’
Referencing
All sources of information should be appropriately cited. Sources such as peer reviewed journals,
technical reports, manufacturer’s data, technical and aviation periodicals are preferred. The use of
Wikipedia or similar online sources as references in the final report is discouraged and should be
avoided unless no alternative exists.
Brunel defines plagiarism as “the knowing or reckless presentation of another person’s work or
ideas as one’s own, and includes the use of published or unpublished work without acknowledging
the source.” Ensure that all sources of information are appropriately cited and that the report
presents your own understanding of the topic.
The use of Generative AI tools is permitted for this assignment. If you do use a Generative AI tool
then its use MUST be acknowledged in the report.
The use of Generative AI tools is, however, discouraged for this assignment. Generative AI tools
tend to provide information that is superficial and lacking in depth. Which, for Masters level work,
communicates at best a limited understanding with significant weaknesses. In addition,
Generative-AI text is known to generate content that can include factual errors, including faked
references.
The following is a list of potential individual topics for your assignment. For each topic the
accompanying paragraph provides a guide as to the potential scope of the final report.
3. Hybrid-electric propulsion
Hybrid-electric population architectures use a conventional turboshaft, or similar, engine driving
a generator to produce electric power. This then drives motors connected to propellers or fans.
For the regional passenger aircraft sector, currently served by turbo-props, hybrid-electric
regional aircraft offers a route to achieve a reduced environmental footprint in the timeframe of
the 2030’s.
16. Icing
Aircraft icing, where ice forms on the aircraft in flight, has long been an important safety issue.
The formation of ice affects aerodynamics by changing the surface profile and can cause
structural damage if substantial pieces of ice form on the aircraft and then break free to strike
other parts of the airframe. The physics of icing, icing detection and anti-icing systems are all
the subject of current research and development.