Expert: Mark Janus - 5/5/2010

Question
QUESTION: I am about to finish my mechanical engineering (in 2 month) and as i was interested in Aerodynamics i applied for MSc in the UK universities in aerodynamics...
One of the university I was offered offer was IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF LONDON the name of the course is MSc in Advanced Computational Methods for Aeronautics, Flow Management and Fluid-Structure Interaction..
plz visit the link for the course content..

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/aeronautics/courses/pg/mscaero

my doubts are:-
(1)what do you think of the course modules? is it well structured?
(2)how much course is related to CFD?
(3)what would be the demand of a graduate in above programme in near future?
(4)lastly do you suggest work experience for me before i move on to such a MSC programme..

ANSWER: Sorry it took a bit for me to get to your question, but I needed to take the time to review the program....

The program looks very promising...  actually it looks similar to something we have here (MSU) for a computational engineering degree... It seems the lectures are "optional" yet to get the degree you must have 19 units (which correlates to 190 lectures I believe)...  Looks like there is a nice mix of courses to choose from....  I don't really think work experience is necessary to enter and/or thrive in such a program... The courses are not simply CFD, but also CSD (structures) which is very good...  makes for the program to be even more interdisciplinary...  Hopefully there are advisers to assist the students in course selection and chronology... I can tell you first hand that students from a program like this (and ours) have advanced degrees yet maintain a broad viewpoint (and are more marketable)

Hope this helps you,
mj

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Many thank for your reply
I have last few queries...
what is the difference between computational and experimental aerodynamics?
does the course focuses on both the aspects?
how different are the work of CFD analyst and an Aerodynamicist?
What do you think Is better to focus on course like this (computational engineering) or pursuing Masters in Aeronautical engineering which covers all the aspects of Aircraft engineering like Aerodynamics,propulsion, structure...etc?

I have been offered admission from one more university i.e. Southampton university in MSc in Aerodynamics and Computation.

http://www.soton.ac.uk/ses/resources/mscaero.html

among the two can you plz tell me which course is more promising Southampton or Imperial?


thanking you,
Harsh

Answer
Harsh,

Computational aerodynamics uses simulation and theory along with some experimental data to perform analysis and design of vehicles or mechanisms

Experimental aerodynamics uses theory and experiments to perform analysis and design of vehicles or mechanisms...  

The course offering seems to include both...

As I mentioned, CFD is largely based on simulation of an event or condition whereas a traditional aerodynamicist is one who works largely with physical models to gain understanding...

I really don't think it appropriate for me to venture an opinion regarding your choices and which one you should take...  both are interesting career paths and will be rewarding....

Thanx,
mj