Information for candidates appearing for research interview at Aerospace Engineering

Department

There are 4 major research groups or disciplines in the Department of Aerospace

Engineering. These are

1. Aerodynamics

2. Structures

3. Control and Guidance

4. Propulsion

The following gives BE/B.Tech or ME/M.Tech degree and other desirable qualifications which
makes a candidate most suitable for the mentioned discipline. However, these are general
guidelines and are not restrictive. A candidate may also choose to be interviewed for more
than one discipline if he/she has a suitable background.

1. Aerodynamics: Aeronautical, Mechanical, Civil Engineering. In all of these it is desirable

for the candidate to have exposure to at least one course in fluid mechanics.

2. Structures: Aeronautical, Mechanical, Civil Engineering. In all of these it is desirable for

the candidate to have exposure to at least one course in solid mechanics/strength of
materials.

3. Guidance and Control: Electrical and related disciplines; Aeronautical, Mechanical

Engineering. In all of these it is desirable for the candidate to have an exposure to at least
one course in control systems.

4. Propulsion: Aeronautical, Mechanical and Chemical Engineering. In all of these it is

desirable for the candidate to have exposure to at least one course in thermodynamics.

Guidelines for interview

1. The candidate shall introduce himself/herself and indicate his/her aspirations for
postgraduate study and research

2. Short presentation of BE/ME project by the candidate (No ppts allowed, a verbal
description, possibly using the board, is preferred; white/black board can be used) and
related questions.

3. Questions based on discipline

4. Mathematics questions

5. General technical questions

For items 3 and 4 the following discipline-wise guidelines will be helpful in preparing for the
interview.
The candidates may be examined in any two or three of the topics of their choice from the
list given under each discipline, based on their background/expertise. Candidates will be
examined in any one or two of the mathematical topics of their choice.

Note that some of the more advanced courses are mentioned primarily for students with
ME/M.Tech degrees who may want to be questioned in a more specialized area.

Aerodynamics: Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat transfer, Gas dynamics,

Aerodynamics, Flight mechanics, Experimental methods, Computational Fluid dynamics

Analytical capability of the candidates may be examined in the following mathematical

topics: Matrix methods, calculus, differential equations, vector algebra/calculus.

Structures: Mechanics, strength of materials, aircraft structures, vibration, finite element

methods, aeroelasticity, experimental methods, smart structures, helicopter dynamics and
composite structures

Analytical capability of the candidates may be examined in the following mathematical

topics: Matrix methods, calculus, algebraic and differential equations, vector
algebra/calculus, optimization.

Control and Guidance: Questions will be on the control related course(s) done by the
candidate during Bachelor's and/or Master's degree. Possible topics are Linear control
theory; Classical control; State space approach; Nonlinear control; Optimal control; Adaptive
and distributed control; Estimation theory and applications; Flight mechanics.

Analytical capability of the candidates may be examined in the following mathematical

topics: Matrix theory, Linear algebra, real analysis, differential equations, optimization,
probability and random processes.

Propulsion: Thermodynamics, Heat transfer, Combustion, Fluid Mechanics, Computational

Fluid Dynamics, Experimental methods, Jet Engines, Rocket Engines, Acoustics

Analytical capability of the candidates may be examined in the following mathematical

topics: Matrix methods, calculus, differential equations, vector algebra/calculus.