The coursework options available in this field include:

• Fluids
• Structural Analysis
• Guidance and Control
• Propulsion
• Spacecraft design and testing
• Control system design and theory
• Applied aerodynamics, compressible flow, applied aeronautics
• Mechanics of composites
• Classical dynamics and space mechanics

The research options in Aeronautical Engineering that are available in various universities can be classified broadly as below:

Aerospace Computing:

Development and application of numerical techniques in the design of aerospace products. Methods are developed to solve mathematical models of fluid flow ranging from the linearized potential flow equations to the fully non-linear unsteady Navier-Stokes equations. Systems are used to analyze and design vehicles ranging from sailboats to commercial airliners.

Aero Fluid Mechanics:

Involves the study of the interaction of compressible vortices with aerodynamic surfaces, with emphasis on the noise generated by such interactions. Also dedicated to basic studies of the fundamental properties of turbulent flow. Areas of interest include measurements of the structure of turbulent flames, direct numerical simulation of free shear flows, and use of topological methods for interpretation of complex three-dimensional vector fields.

Aerospace Robotics:

Involves creation of experimental systems for developing advanced robot systems and new control techniques with applications to free-flying space robots, to undersea and air systems, to mobile ground robots, and to industrial automation. Basically an interdepartmental program, with specific application into aerospace.

Aircraft Aerodynamics and Design:

Basic research in applied aerodynamics and aircraft design. Work ranges from the development of computational and experimental methods for aerodynamic analysis to studies of unconventional aircraft concepts and new architectures for multidisciplinary design optimization. Involves studies of unusual aircraft configurations and novel flight control concepts.

Turbulence Simulations:

It is a multidisciplinary research field to develop new turbulence models and associated numerical simulation methodologies that will enable a new paradigm for the design of advanced systems in which turbulence plays a controlling role. Research aims to develop simulation technology capable of dealing with systems as complex as a full jet engine and phenomena as complex as the plasma turbulence of a Hall thruster.

GPS & Navigation:

Involved is studying and building systems for vehicle navigation and attitude determination. Since the GPS satellite navigation system became operational in 1993, there is increasing interest in an array of applications for this technology.

Guidance and Control:

Guidance and Control includes a wide spectrum of specialized research for making and testing novel instruments and control systems of extremely high precision. Applications include aerospace vehicle guidance and control, sensing instrument development and applications, internal combustion engine feedback for improved efficiency and reduced pollution, robotics for manufacturing and operations in space, precision engineering and fabrication, and ultra-precision machine tool design and development.

Hybrid Systems:

Hybrid Systems Research involves designing algorithms for the analysis and control of complex aerodynamic systems. Research ranges from systems design and control for the next generation of Air Traffic Systems, through the development of algorithms for automatic flight-mode switching in flight management systems, to the design and control of a team of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

Structures and Composites:

Research encompasses composite structural design, including vibration, stability, impact damage, and environmental effects; biological applications of composites; grid structures; composites in sports equipment; composite manufacturing; fiber optic and piezoelectric sensors; structural health monitoring; and smart structures.

– “What kind of small trimaran do I want?” This is probably the first question. Another way to approach this one is to ask yourself, “What do I want to DO with my sailboat?”

Do you want a super-speed-machine? A recreational day cruiser? A relatively well performing (fast and easy handling sailboat) that also features a small cabin — thus allowing it to become a “weekender” instead of a just a “day cruiser?” How comfortable do you want your boat to be … do you absolutely want a cozy sit-down seat, or are you willing to ride on just a small hiking seat or trampoline? How big do you want your boat to be? (The smaller a boat is the more “wet” your ride is likely to be. If you really want a wet and wild ride during the dog days of summer then regularly getting doused with water is fine).

– “Do I want to simply buy or factory-order a commercial boat, or am I willing to build one myself?” If you want to get a small trimaran that is only available commercially then, naturally, you’re choices among boats will be restricted to what is available from commercial manufacturers. If you’re willing to build then you have to ask yourself if you’ve got the skills (or if you can realistically acquire the skills necessary) to build your own boat?

– “Am I willing to buy a used small trimaran?” If you are willing to get a used boat then you might be able to save a bit of cash … whether choosing a boat that is either commercially manufactured or owner-built.

– “How much money do I have to spend?” This is a big one. Your “recreation budget” set aside for sailing will more often than not determine if you can purchase a brand new boat … or what kind of a boat you can afford to build yourself, including the cost for plans and building materials.

– “How long am I willing to wait for my prized sailboat?” If you want to buy a commercially available trimaran then you can save for it instead of buying on credit if you don’t have all the money upfront. If you’d like to build a small trimaran on your own then you will have to plan for how long a building project like that is likely going to be. Will it be a few months … or might it be a year or more … and if it is a year or more then could you simply save the money to buy the boat you want during this time instead of building it yourself?

There are other questions you can (and should) answer, of course. For example, where are you going to store your boat? Will you will buy or borrow a trailer to get your boat to the water? How much effort is it going to take to keep the boat in excellent condition? Etc.

If you consider questions like those above it may help you understand the market better so you can choose just what kind of trimaran is the right one for you. A hasty decision is more prone to be regretted later on.

Enjoy the research process. When it comes to small trimarans, your initial research may be almost as much fun as finally deciding which boat you’re going to sail.