Academic Complex I

Astronautical and Aeronautical Engineering Design Lab

Some schools create teams of students around a small design project. In the college of engineering we create large design teams similar to industry. We may have the propulsion team, electronics team, attitude and control team, and many others, as well as an integration team. The result can be a satellite or aircraft component. In this lab there are facilities to design and breakout conference rooms to plan, which is an environment similar to industry.

Design and Computer-Aided Design Lab

This helicopter was made as part of a design project using a program called CATIA. The Design Lab in AC-1 is a high-tech haven for freshman and sophomore students learning about using computers to design three dimensional models. Every computer in the lab is furnished with the most up-to-date software packages such as Solid Works and CATIA.This is the freshman and sophomore lab where we teach design and CAD. Students work with modern equipment using software CAD packages such as CATIA and Solid Works. These CAD packages are interfaced with StereoLithography printers to print solid parts that students design. In the Fall of '06 the course will move forward with aircraft design projects incorporating CAD. When students finish this course they will know more than just how to draw, and with the CAD they can continue on the journey of design.