Both Aeronautical and Aerospace engineering degrees are associated with the designing of aircraft but the major difference between the two fields is that Aerospace engineering is related to the planning and construction of aircraft and spacecrafts whereas Aeronautical engineering focuses only on the crafts that fly within the Earth's atmosphere.
Aeronautical Engineering is the art of studying and manufacturing capable machines that can fly with well-structured techniques. Dynamics and Aerodynamics are the two most important parts of the field. It basically deals with the mechanism of operations, powerful engine and, safety measures. Aerodynamics is concerned with the motion of air and the direction of the craft. It is divided into three categories, namely Incompressible flow, Compressible flow and, Transonic flow. These areas deal with the speed of air and shock waves. Another important aspect of aeronautical engineering is the Rocketry which is a missile placed in the aircraft to take over the thrust created by a rocket engine. Rockets are not only used for developing high speed but also for fireworks, launching, exploring other satellites, and ejection seats. These are to be designed carefully and tested by experts. The curriculum of Aeronautical engineering includes two main branches, Aviation and, Aero-science. One of the early ideas of crafts was the balloon flight which began in the seventeenth century taking forward the innovations by Galileo. His studies proved that air has weight. The balloons were made of papers and filled by gas in order to lift the air-ship. Some of the most significant features in this field include Fluid mechanics, Mathematics, Electro-technology, Propulsion, Control engineering, Material science, Aircraft structures, Aeroelasticity, Avionics, Flight test, and Noise control.
Aerospace Engineering is associated with aircraft as well as spacecraft. It involves the technology of operating craft in outer space, commonly known as astronautics. Also, the study of aerospace engineering is called rocket science. It deals with the conditions like temperature, atmospheric pressure, and a load of the structure. In addition, the interaction of propulsion, material science, dynamics, and manufacturing is called Aerospace Engineering. The study of the field involves the atmosphere of Earth as well as outer space. The study also includes Radar cross section which is called remote sensing, Astro-dynamics, Turbomachines, Jet engines, Aero-acoustics, Solid mechanics and Risk & Reliability. Basically, the study of aerospace engineering revolves around the physical properties of the aircraft and spacecrafts. The curriculum often includes practical work experience in laboratories and workshops which leads to exposure of the industry. In addition, it is necessary for the students to gain complete knowledge about environmental science and sustainability as well as aerostructures. Moreover, the aerospace engineering degree program is a must for the students who want to make a career as an astronaut. The program has a detailed academic structure related to aircraft mechanism and elements associated with craft control as well as atmospheric surroundings.
Few other differences between the curriculums of the two fields are listed below:
Aeronautical Engineering Aerospace Engineering
Heat Transfer Introduction to outer space
Aircraft Structures Features of Jet Propulsion
Flight Mechanics Spacecraft Dynamics
Both the fields slightly vary with each other. The aeronautical engineers work on crafts like aeroplanes, gliders, and helicopters. Aerospace Engineers, on the other hand, operates crafts of the outer space like rockets, satellites, space vehicles and spacecraft. The working mechanism of both areas is different and depends on person to person.
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