Aerospace dynamics

This unit introduces the concepts of time, space, coordinate systems, particles, rigid bodies, forces, work, momentum and energy which form the basis of the field of aerospace engineering. Through a fundamental treatment of the kinetics and kinematics of systems of particles and rigid bodies, you will apply Newton's Law of Motion to solve practical aerospace engineering problems related to aircraft, spacecraft and their components. You will learn to solve problems involving curvilinear and relative motion, rotating coordinate systems, linear and angular momentum, and mechanical vibration. These concepts will then be applied to understanding the performance and stability of aircraft and rockets. The unit will conclude with an introduction to orbital mechanics and spaceflight.