Ground testing requirements for 21st-century aerospace education

摘要

The paper provides a needs assessment for ground testing as a critical component of 21st century aerospace education. The emphasis is on the undergraduate aerospace engineering program. Broadly defined for the current context. ground testing includes integrated physical and computer laboratory stations illustrating all major subsystems of a modern flight vehicle. The historical context as well as future requirements facing engineering education are examined. giving rise to recognition of the contributions of laboratories and their central place in a responsive program. A laboratory vision is presented in systematic fashion, including tabulation and tour of station concepts through all major disciplines of aerospace application. A realistic strategy for implementation includes embedded application stations, development of stations by students, and formation of inductry/University partnerships.