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Aeronautical Engineering/Questions Answered by Expert Ray Wilkinson
| Subject | Date Asked |
| tensile bar stress distribution | 1/5/2011 |
| Q: I have two tensile bars with the same cross sectional area. One of the tensile bar cross sections ... A: The usual assumption is that tensile stresses are evenly distributed across cross sections (provided ... | |
| university admission | 1/3/2011 |
| Q: I am from Bangladesh currently doing my GCE A-Levels.I am looking forward to study aeronautical ... A: To get onto an engineering degree course at our (or any UK) univesrity, you will need three A levels ... | |
| Jet engine compressor pressure | 1/2/2011 |
| Q: I'm curious what the pressure is inside a jet engine that the compressors produce. This is not the ... A: Each stage of a gas-turbine compressor (consisting of a row of rotating blades plus a row of static ... | |
| After Degree | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: I am doing a degree aerospace technology at a UK university, and as placement are hard to come by ... A: There are two main routes for those wanting to pursue a career working on aircraft - to get a degree ... | |
| engineering | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: I am doing B-tech in electronics engineering can i do M-tech in aeronautical engineering after my ... A: The Masters programmes we run here at the University of Hertfordshire are not intended as conversion ... | |
| required qualification for B.Eng in Aeronautics | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: sir, I'm opting to visit & do a foundation course in engineering from a uk college/university. My Q ... A: Our University (Hertfordshire) accepts applicants with foundation courses, but I don't know for sure ... | |
| sir, is there any course which i can persue after diploma | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: sir, is there any course which i can persue ,after my diploma in electrical engineering, in ... A: Assuming you're referring to courses in the UK (I don't know about other countries), then yes, ... | |
| aeronautics eng+pilot training simultaneously | 2/28/2009 |
| Q: sir, i will be finishing my 12th standard this year . i have heard that there are few colleges that ... A: Nakash Here at the University of Hertfordshire, we have two programmes that are relevant to you - ... | |
| hydraulic dampers | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: Ray, you mentioned the A380. The high pressure hydraulic pumps often generate destructive ... A: I haven't come across this term before, so I can't answer your question directly. From your ... | |
| cofused how to get in to aeronotics stream | 2/24/2009 |
| Q: sir i m ME final year student and i badly want to join a course in air craft maintenance and ... A: We don't currently offer degrees in aircraft maintenance at Hertfordshire, but they do have ... | |
| Unconventional aircraft | 2/22/2009 |
| Q: I need some information about unconventional aircrafts and their history best regards A: This looks like a homework question, and you haven't give me much in the way of specific details to ... | |
| Is it possible to do aeronautic with commerce stream. | 2/21/2009 |
| Q: Im from Dubai ( United Arab Emirates )i have completed my 12th with commerce stream.My subjects are ... A: The bad news is that we would not be able to accept you on our aerospace engineering programmes with ... | |
| aeronautical engineering | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: i have completed my as/a2 level and want to take up aeronautical engineering as further studies.so ... A: Sorry for the slow response to this one. It's been a busy week here and took me a while to get hold ... | |
| aeronatics | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: i had interest in aeronautical engineering in m.tech after completion of b.tech(ece).wil i eligible ... A: I assume you're talking about our MSc programmes, which are postgraduate Masters programmes. I also ... | |
| Decision Speed | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: On what all factor the Decision Speed of an aircraft decided?Is this parameter depends upon the load ... A: Decision speed (usually known as V1) is the lowest speed at which the aircraft is committed to ... | |
| Microwave power transmission to aircrafts | 2/9/2009 |
| Q: I am currently doing some conceptual designs, which could replace the current propulsion systems for ... A: This is probably one of the most unusual questions I've ever received, and an interesting concept. ... | |
| Wing shape | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: I have come across the term 'Taper ratio' in relation to wing shape. Do you know if this term is a ... A: Yes, taper ratio is a recognised term. For a simple wing with a straight taper it is the ration ... | |
| Master studies in Aerospace and Astronautics | 2/5/2009 |
| Q: Sir I have completed my B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering. I am desperatly ... A: I need to pass this onto our Admissions Tutor for the Masters degrees, and we've been affected by ... | |
| after aeronautical engineering how to enter for pilot training | 2/4/2009 |
| Q: sir, iam doing my 1st year aeronautical engineering,ater that i would like to enter to ... A: Assuming you are in the UK - if you are elsewhere then the situation may be slightly different, but ... | |
| Master studies in Aerospace and Astronautics | 2/3/2009 |
| Q: Sir I have completed my B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering. I am desperatly ... A: I'm assuming that you are interested in studying in the UK, and that you have the necessary funding ... | |
| What to do? | 1/24/2009 |
| Q: I have read your profile and i have to say that i am very impressed. However, the main reason i am ... A: I pursued a normal engineering career, and there's no reason why your brother can't do the same. ... | |
| braking systems | 1/21/2009 |
| Q: Can you please tell how does the braking system in an aircraft works? A: Phew! Big question. Aircraft brakes work in a similar way to car brakes, but there are a few major ... | |
| Aeronautical Eng. | 1/16/2009 |
| Q: Can someone out their who could answer this? What are the requirements before taking an entrance ... A: I don't really understand what you are asking. Can you please give me a bit more information for ... | |
| Subjects For Aeronautics(A- Levels) | 1/15/2009 |
| Q: Sir I am in China and I am doing my A-levels currently.I am in AS right now. I study Core Maths, ... A: Looks like you are studying the best subjects. We ask for A level Maths and a science, preferably ... | |
| ms in aerospace | 1/10/2009 |
| Q: i am doing B.Tech from electrical engineering and i want to go ms in aerospace. how it is possible ... A: You may be able to go into aerospace, but if you were applying here we would definitely have a ... | |
| aeronautical -MS | 1/8/2009 |
| Q: Sir ,pl kindly let me know which specialized subject i have to choose in MS aviation towards further ... A: Can you please be more specific in your wording, as I'm not clear what you are asking. Please note ... | |
| camera on a model airplane | 1/5/2009 |
| Q: my name is Inna. I'm a student in the Technion (Israeli institute of technology). on one of my ... A: I don't know of any websites off-hand, but it's easy enough to Google for them. I can give you a ... | |
| which one is better AME or Aeronautical engeering | 7/20/2007 |
| Q: sir my aim is to become an airlines official.so i want to know whether AME is better or ... A: A maintenance engineer is responsible for carrying out any maintenance operations on an aircraft ... | |
| turbines | 7/16/2007 |
| Q: I was wondering if there is a turbine situated below the tail of a jet? Well,not really a turbine, ... A: You are correct that there's an engine under the tail of most airliners, but it isn't propulsion. ... | |
| Admission in Aeronautical Engineering | 7/16/2007 |
| Q: I have done my 12 grade and wish to pursue Aeronautical Engineering but unfortunately i didnt have ... A: Unfortunately we don't accept students onto our aerospace programmes without Maths, as you just ... | |
| Need your suggestion | 7/13/2007 |
| Q: My name is Maulik Kalolia, I've completed my Diploma in mechanical engineering on the 10th (S.S.C.) ... A: As I state in my profile, I'm only able to advise on the UK education system. If you are intending ... | |
| M.S in aeronautics | 7/11/2007 |
| Q: I am currently doing computer engg. in a mumbai college . Can you tell me what GRE marks would be ... A: I can only answer for my own university, the University of Hertfordshire. We wouldn't offer a ... | |
| aeronautical engg. | 7/5/2007 |
| Q: what is the effect of gravity on the space rocket while it enter into orbit of earth? A: Nice question (tricky answer). For anything to be in orbit around the Earth (or any other body), the ... | |
| aeronautics | 6/30/2007 |
| Q: Is that difficult to study aeronautics for a average person? A: That's an easy and a difficult question to answer. You need to have sound maths, as many of the ... | |
| Should i do mechanical or aeronautical engineering | 6/26/2007 |
| Q: My name is Marclay Dantzler after i graduate from college i want to become a air force pilot. But ... A: When I have discussions with Air Force recruitment people, they tell me the biggest problem they ... | |
| to become an aeeronautical engineer | 6/18/2007 |
| Q: i completed my 12 th i want to become an aeronautical engineer so plzz give m,e the information ... A: Your question is very brief. If you want become an aeronautical engineer the most practical way is ... | |
| which one is better AME or Aeronautical engeering | 6/14/2007 |
| Q: sir my aim is to become an airlines official.so i want to know whether AME is better or ... A: Can you please let me have some more-detailed information. It would depend on what specifically you ... | |
| Temperature. | 6/12/2007 |
| Q: My name is Ryan Groenewald& i am a keen aircraft enthusiast.When an aircraft needs to take off,the ... A: Gas turbine engines produce thrust in proportion to their mass flow, but the fan and compressor ... | |
| question about pitot tubes | 6/5/2007 |
| Q: Are pitot tubes like lightsabers? Are you supposed to make your own? Because I am having a hell of a ... A: I've quizzed my aerodynamics colleagues, and they've sent some advice, although I'm not sure it will ... | |
| career in aeronautics | 5/25/2007 |
| Q: sir,i have completed my b.tech in aeronautics in india.i am now planning to pursue my masters degree ... A: Aeronautics covers a wide range of fields, from aircraft design and manufacture, to operations, to ... | |
| thrust to weight ratio | 5/20/2007 |
| Q: what is the highest thrust to weight ratio on a military fighter? thank you, Riley A: I don't know the exact answer, but here goes. Until recently, the only fighter that had a ... | |
| aerospace engineering | 5/18/2007 |
| Q: Sir,I want to know what is the difference between aeronautics engineering and aerospace ... A: There's no difference at all - it's just fashion. The modern name is aerospace engineering, ... | |
| aeronautical engg | 5/17/2007 |
| Q: ... A: I'm assuming you want to do the MSc in the UK, as I can't answer for Universities in the rest of the ... | |
| aircraft design | 5/14/2007 |
| Q: I am researching star wars N1, and T-65X-Wing jets and I have not been able to find an affordable ... A: I haven't really the space to explain how jet engines work, and it isn't my area. However, ... | |
| airplane structure | 5/12/2007 |
| Q: Please say me how much the I-shape beams are important in an airplane structure. or how much they ... A: Beams in any structure are components that are loaded in bending. The taller the beam the stiffer it ... | |
| Difference between mechanical and aeronautical engineering | 5/8/2007 |
| Q: what is the basic point of difference between mech. engg. and aeronautical engg.? also what is their ... A: Aeronautical engineering (often also referred to as aerospace) is a specialist field of mechanical ... | |
| temperature | 5/6/2007 |
| Q: how metal used inthe aeroplane can suffer extreme heat?which metal is used? is metal used in war ... A: All metals have a melting point, and also a temperature at which they begin to lose their strength. ... | |
| A380 Landing gear | 5/5/2007 |
| Q: well thank you so much for your answer.anyhow sir i want to ask you about A380 landing gear can you ... A: Pressure is Force/Area, and the A380 has 26 wheels compared to the 18 of the 747 and the 14 of the ... | |
| A380 hydraulic system | 5/3/2007 |
| Q: am doing a final year project about designing and innovation on A380 in Perth college.A380 used ... A: I was in Toulouse a couple of years ago, and met one of the systems engineers - we spent a couple of ... | |
| wind forces with speed? | 4/26/2007 |
| Q: im writing a technical report on the design of some wind sails which I hope will catch the wind only ... A: I'm not too sure I understand exactly the geometry of your device, but I can answer your general ... | |
| Jobs | 4/17/2007 |
| Q: Im applying for both Aeronautical engineering and aerospace systems engineering for next year. I ... A: I'm pleased you have applied for these courses. There are differences in job opportunities of ... | |
| queries about applying for aero-eng. | 4/5/2007 |
| Q: sir, my question is that apart from IIT-jee how i could apply for aero-eng.whts the eligibility ... A: Before I can answer this, I will need some more information. Can you please explain where in the ... | |
| guidelines in aeronautical engineering | 3/28/2007 |
| Q: sir, i have just completed my 12th and i m really very much interested in aeronautical engg. i know ... A: As I explain in my profile I don't know the Indian grading system, nor much about the Indian ... | |
| Question | 3/21/2007 |
| Q: my name is will am doing final year Beng in aerospace and i have project about critically analysis ... A: Sorry, I don't understand your question, but it looks a though it's a question about engine ... | |
| AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING | 3/19/2007 |
| Q: I have completed my DIPLOMA in Aeronautical Engineering. I am currently looking for Internship or a ... A: You haven't made it clear which country you are in, so I can't judge what level your diploma ... | |
| About Aeronautical and Aerospace? | 3/8/2007 |
| Q: Im Hassan currently studying in a Year 0 in University of Glamorgan, Wales UK. I am confused rather ... A: Hassan Which course is best depends on what you want to do when you graduate, and your question ... | |
| Experts Needed for dissertation | 2/7/2007 |
| Q: I am a doctoral student at the University of LaVerne, CA. I am in need of expert participants such ... A: Sorry, I can't help for the following reasons: i) I don't have the time to participate in such a ... | |
| Part nomenclature | 2/1/2007 |
| Q: What's the difference between a PIPE, a TUBE and a DUCT. I already have a leaning, but would like ... A: Sorry if you get a decline for this, I clicked and scrolled at the same time. Anyway, I would think ... | |
| Structual engineering assistance | 1/22/2007 |
| Q: I am building a kit aircraft and wish to make a change to the gear.. moving it from a fuselage to ... A: As you are obviously aware, this is not a trivial thing, and may well have have certification ... | |
| master | 1/18/2007 |
| Q: i need your advise in that .can i do master in any thing that belong to the airplane that's what i ... A: I don't think you would be able to enrol on an aerospace engineering Master's programme without ... | |
| Difference between Aerospace Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering | 1/13/2007 |
| Q: But you didn't say anything about the difference between Aerospace Engineering and Aeronautical ... A: Sorry Jojo, I didn't answer that part. There's no difference at all - it's just fashion. The modern ... | |
| Difference between Aerospace Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering | 1/12/2007 |
| Q: Sir, I'm Jojo Joy from India. I completed my Mechanical Engineering. I'd like to do masters in ... A: I've checked with my colleague, and he tells me that British Masters degrees are highly regarded ... | |
| Aeronautical Engineering | 1/10/2007 |
| Q: Sir, My name is Jojo Joy. I'm from India. I completed my bachelor's degree in mechanical ... A: Firstly, it's quite possible for you to get a job in the aircraft industry with a Mechanical ... | |
| Contraptions attached to airplane wings | 12/28/2006 |
| Q: Since a few months I found airplanes and aerodynamics really interesting. I have learned a lot about ... A: Sorry for the delay in responding, as I'm on leave and don't have much time to attend to emails. ... | |
| A380_aluminium | 12/21/2006 |
| Q: I recently read that that part of the delay of the A380 is due to the switch from copper to ... A: I've certainly not heard of using aluminium cable before the A380, but I gather the weight saving is ... | |
| vertical thrust aircraft | 12/11/2006 |
| Q: weight of armament carrying capability of vertical take off aircraft such as a harrier vertical ... A: The Harrier's engine produces 21750 lbs of thrust (9860kg), and it has a dry weight of 5940kg, ... | |
| pressurized experimental aircraft | 11/16/2006 |
| Q: I hope everything it's ok. I live in Puerto Rico, the very first "big" Island you will encounter ... A: This is a tricky question to answer. The fuselage of an aircraft needs to be designed from the ... | |
| Crashworthy Helicopter Sub-floor Structure | 11/11/2006 |
| Q: Mr. Wilkinson, The helicopter subfloor structure has to be designed so as to limit the deceleration ... A: Sorry for the delay in responding to this one. It's not in direct area of experience so I asked one ... | |
| how to work at nasa | 11/10/2006 |
| Q: sir, i m an indian electronics engineering student studying here only. sir i am deeply interested in ... A: Wow, this is a diffcult one. Basically, what happens if you want to work in the USA is that you need ... | |
| eligiblity | 11/6/2006 |
| Q: i am doing medical aspirants in 10+2... i want to know that can medical students persue their career ... A: There is a field of Aviation Medicine, dealing specifically with the medical aspects of flight, so ... | |
| aeronautics | 11/2/2006 |
| Q: i am in class 12. i am very keen to be an astronaut. please help me as to what i should take up for ... A: I would have said that an engineering degree will help as much as any towards fulfilling your ... | |
| Mechanical engineering / Aeronautics | 10/21/2006 |
| Q: I am a mechanical engineering student, although I have a great interest in Aeronautics studies for ... A: A mechanical engineering degree can be a very good basis for a career in aerospace engineering. One ... | |
| Aircraft Wings | 10/1/2006 |
| Q: I wanted to know what makes the wings of new military aircraft such as the F-22 superior to older ... A: There are several major changes that have improved wings over the last few years: 1. A move to ... | |
| replying to ur advice | 9/26/2006 |
| Q: respected sir i am sorry for not specifying my interest.as i will be finishing my bachelors ... A: Manju I've had a response from my colleague, and he advises that it would not be possible for you ... | |
| eligibility | 9/25/2006 |
| Q: respected sir, i am doing my bachelors degree(B.E) in electronics n communication..i will be ... A: It isn't clear to me whether your question refers to a second Bachelors degree or to a Masters ... | |
| A380 | 9/23/2006 |
| Q: I've seen the A380 get off the ground and fly and im very amazed. I have several questions regarding ... A: Kevin I like curiosity... I had the pleasure of visiting Toulouse last September, although they ... | |
| Aircraft Engines | 9/14/2006 |
| Q: If an airplane engine exploded in midair, what could be the best cause for it? A: It's almost unknown for an engine actually to explode, but there are many cases of engines breaking ... | |
| stress values from impact loads | 9/7/2006 |
| Q: Nr. Wilkinson, I would like to find an analytic solution to the problem of a water particle ... A: Sorry to respond so late on this one. I asked my colleagues here at the University whether anyone ... | |
| aeroplane | 8/31/2006 |
| Q: can aeroplane stop flying and float,without moving A: Assuming you mean an airliner (i.e. a large aircraft), and ignoring the obvious of seaplanes etc. ... | |
| masters/job in aeronautical engineering | 8/26/2006 |
| Q: I have completed my bachelors in electronics and communication engineering. i look forward to do my ... A: Congratulations on completing your Bachelor degree. I would say currently that aeronautics would be ... | |
| Directional Control Valve Chatter | 8/22/2006 |
| Q: What causes chatter in directional control hydraulic valves? I have a four way, three position DCV ... A: John I don't know the design of DCV's so I can't be specific, but chatter is caused by an ... | |
| Aeronautical Engineering tips | 8/20/2006 |
| Q: My name is Andrew and i just enlisted in the airforce but want to apply for the the enlisted ... A: The most important thing about aeronautical engineering is the maths. Most of the stuff you'll be ... | |
| aircraft carbon brake | 8/16/2006 |
| Q: i am doing my project about the aircraft brake with respect to the different temperature.i would ... A: Sorry, I don't know a great deal about carbon brakes, but I'm certain there will not be any resin in ... | |
| gre score for aeronautics | 8/10/2006 |
| Q: im prarthana doing my btech final year in mechanics engineering.i would like to do my masters in ... A: Prarthana Sorry, I don't know the details of your system, so I can't say whether your score would ... | |
| about jobs°ree | 7/29/2006 |
| Q: as i have get u r ans i want to know the exat degree & the main companiees where &how i should apply ... A: Saurabh You should aim to get a degree in aerospace engineering, aerospace systems engineering or ... | |
| about jobs°ree | 7/23/2006 |
| Q: what kinds of job we can get in aeronautics what kind of aeronautical degree is capable to get jobin ... A: There is a wide range of jobs available, from structural design, to avionics design, to ... | |
| Aircraft Propeller Design | 6/20/2006 |
| Q: Ray, Thanks, here is a follow up: The interest comes for experimental aircraft intentions. Yes, I ... A: Oscar The C-130 can be seen in detail on the RAF Lyneham website, which shows both variants. Take a ... | |
| Aircraft Propellor Design | 6/20/2006 |
| Q: My question is about aviation propellor technology. We have seen the same basic airscrew prop ... A: Oscar Sorry, propellers are not really my field, but I'll try to help. In fact, airscrew ... | |
| about AME &AERONAUTIAL ENGG. | 6/19/2006 |
| Q: Sir, i am 17 year old boy from INDIA(bombay) & i have passed 12th with 60% marks in PCM i am ... A: Vaibhav Sorry, I don't know how your assessment system works in India, so I don't know what PCM is. ... | |
| Aeronautical Engg | 6/18/2006 |
| Q: I am suraj singh from india.i am 17 years old and have completed 12th with PCM scoring 63%. i would ... A: There is opportunity for aeronautical engineers in India, as you do have an indigenous aerospace ... | |
| supersonic | 6/14/2006 |
| Q: if you had a chance to make a air craft with 2rolls royce mk 602 turbojets, 2pratt and whitney j3tc ... A: You can calculate the Mach number by dividing the speed of the aircraft by the local speed of sound. ... | |
| Lift Vs mass or weight | 6/7/2006 |
| Q: Ray..... A friend referred me to you as being the Guru of Difficult questions. I hope you have the ... A: Peter This is a classic textbook question! To answer it you need to consider equilibrium and ... | |
| turbo fan question help | 5/18/2006 |
| Q: im a mechanical engineer in the polymer sector by trade, but have been asked by by my nephew now ... A: I'm not a GT specialist and don't have the textbooks handy to look it up, but here goes: You don't ... | |
| top most carrer in aeronautical eng. | 5/9/2006 |
| Q: sir i have just completed my 12th grade from GSEB(gujarat State Education board) (with 55%)and i am ... A: Ishan To answer your last question first - I don't know the colleges in Gujurat, so you should ... | |
| Aircraft configuration for the environment. | 4/14/2006 |
| Q: I am currently stuck on a report for university. The aim is to propose an aircraft configuration ... A: Aishah I can't help you with drawing up your design, I'm afraid, but the following may help: ... | |
| Conceptual design of cold air blimp | 3/25/2006 |
| Q: Ray I want to be able to pull a 40ft cold air blimp behind a boat traveling at approximately 15 to ... A: Bob This is a tricky one, and not strictly within my area of expertise, as it's aerodynamics and ... | |
Aeronautical Engineering
Answers by Expert:
Ray Wilkinson
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
aircraft structures; artificial and induced environments - vibration, temperature, altitude, etc; conceptual design of aircraft; systems - hydraulics, electrical; safety, reliability and maintainability; rocketry, particularly propulsion; University admissions (UK only - not able to answer for other countries)
Experience
I teach all of the above at the University of Hertfordshire, UK, as a Principal Lecturer (17 years), previously Senior Engineer at BAe Dynamics (now MBDA) (11 years)
Publications
My own book - Aircraft Structures and Systems, MechAero Publishing
Currently writing a book on rocketry
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Technology degree in Aeronautical Engineering (1980), Loughborough University, UK
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