MEM23084A
Apply scientific principles and techniques in aeronautical engineering situations

This unit of competency covers applying advanced scientific principles to aeronautical engineering situations.

Application

This unit applies to selecting and applying advanced aeronautical scientific principles and techniques.

Computer techniques, graphical methods and mathematical calculations should complement scientific principles chosen and include unit analysis, appropriate precision and accuracy and use conservative estimations.


Prerequisites

MEA349A

Apply basic scientific principles and techniques in aeronautical engineering situations

MEM23052A

Apply basic electro and control scientific principles and techniques in aeronautical engineering situations


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Identify the range of aeronautical scientific principles and techniques relevant to aeronautical engineering

1.1

Research and report on aeronautical scientific principles relating to aeronautical engineering using appropriate sources of information

1.2

Research and report on aeronautical techniques and associated technologies, software and hardware associated with implementing scientific principles relating to aeronautical engineering applications using appropriate sources of information

2

Select scientific principles and techniques relevant to aeronautical engineering applications

2.1

Select the relevant scientific principles for particular aeronautical engineering situations

2.2

Select the relevant aeronautical techniques and associated technologies, software and hardware for particular aeronautical engineering situations

3

Apply the relevant scientific principles and techniques appropriately

3.1

Apply the scientific principles in a consistent and appropriate manner to obtain any required solution

3.2

Use appropriate calculations and correct units to establish quantities

3.3

Use coherent units in equations in a systematic manner to ensure meaningful solutions

3.4

Use significant figures in engineering calculations

3.5

Apply the techniques and associated technologies, software and hardware in a consistent and appropriate manner to obtain required solutions

4

Quote the results of the application of the aeronautical scientific principles and techniques correctly

4.1

Quote solutions for applications involving engineering calculations in an appropriate style

4.2

Quote solutions for applications not involving engineering calculations in an appropriate style

Required Skills

Required knowledge includes:

aeronautical techniques and related technologies, software and hardware associated with implementing scientific principles in engineering solutions and related to appropriate engineering applications. Principles include:

physics:

momentum and center of gravity

gravity

circular motion

orbital motion

rotational motion

oscillation and simple harmonic motion

digital electronics:

logic circuits

logic families

construction and testing techniques

flip flop circuits

analogue to digital conversion

digital to analogue conversion

timing and control

circuit analysis

stress analysis:

2D force systems

equilibrium in 2D

plane trusses

plane frames and machines

3D force systems

equilibrium in 3D

space trusses and frames

properties of areas

engineering concepts of stress and strain

axial force and deformation

shear force and deformation

thin walled pressure vessels

2D stress

2D strain

relationship between elastic constants

joints

instability

stress concentration

mechanics of flight:

boundary layer calculations relating to drag coefficient and skin friction

lift augmentation

thrust and power available

range and endurance

static stability

supersonic aerodynamics

rotary wing aerodynamics

aircraft dynamic stability:

states of stability

the aerodynamic derivatives employed in the aircraft equations of motion

aircraft longitudinal stability

lateral dynamic stability

control mechanisms

aeroelastic effects

aircraft mechanisms:

friction mechanisms

linkages

bearings

gear mechanisms

mechanical vibration

static and dynamic balancing

limitations of aeronautical techniques and associated technologies, software and hardware

relevance of scientific principles to aeronautical engineering

applicability and limitations of an extensive range of aeronautical techniques and associated technologies, software and hardware

choice of aeronautical scientific principles for particular applications

applicability of particular aeronautical techniques and associated technologies, software and hardware to specific applications

choice of aeronautical techniques and associated technologies, software and hardware for particular applications

the method of application of the scientific principles

fundamental and derived quantities

common systems of units

the procedure for converting between systems of units

common prefixes used with units and their values

the procedure for ensuring coherent units for meaningful solutions to equations

the concept of significant figures

the uncertainty of computations based on experimental data

procedures for determining the significance of figures in calculations

procedures for estimating errors in derived quantities

the method of application of the aeronautical techniques and associated technologies, software and hardware

significance of the calculation solution style in relation to the original task

significance of the non-calculation solution style in relation to the original task

Required skills include:

applying advanced scientific principles relevant to aeronautical engineering

analysing the given situation to determine what is required in the manner of a solution

analysing the given situation to determine which aeronautical scientific principles are selected

selecting appropriate aeronautical techniques and associated technologies, software and hardware to suit applications

applying appropriate aeronautical principles in determining the required solution

applying and manipulating formulas and calculations for engineering applications

using the correct units to solve engineering calculations

checking the validity of equations using a systematic method for ensuring coherent units

applying aeronautical techniques and associated technologies, software and hardware in a manner appropriate to the application and identified scientific principles

referring solutions to the original aim of the application

quoting solutions in appropriate units and using appropriate significant figures

presenting solutions referring to the original aim of the application

Evidence Required

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to apply scientific principles and techniques in aeronautical engineering situations. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor’s reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Method of assessment

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with applying scientific principles and techniques in aeronautical engineering situations or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Guidance information for assessment


Range Statement

Aeronautical engineering

Aeronautical engineering refers to:

the engineering discipline concerned with the conceptual development, research, design, manufacture, implementation, installation, commissioning and maintenance of aerospace mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel and fire products, processes, systems or services for civil and military applications

Sources of information

Sources of information includes:

reference texts

manufacturer catalogues and industrial magazines

websites

use of phone, email and fax information gathering

Aeronautical engineering applications

Aeronautical engineering applications refer to:

the description or definition of an objective or challenge within a real or simulated engineering environment or state requiring a conceptual development, design, manufacture and/or implementation and/or installation, commissioning and maintenance response to affect a solution or improvement with regard to:

airframe structure including power plant support structure

mechanical systems, including flight controls

hydraulic systems, including powered flight controls

pneumatic systems, including pressurisation and air conditioning systems

the interfaces between hydro-mechanical systems, including engine controls, and electrical and electronic control systems

the interface between hydro-mechanical flight control systems and automatic flight control systems


Sectors

Engineering science


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills


Licensing Information

Not applicable.