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supersix2 · 01-16-2005, 11:26 PM

I'm an AE major and I have to admit that the math can be a bit overwhelming at times. You have to realize that Calculus and Algebra are really just the beginning of what you are going to need, mathematically, in aeronautical engineering. The main thing you are going to be using in your upper level engineering classes is going to be differential equations. Diff Eq requires a deep understanding of calculus and algebra methods but is most important in AE. Once you get past basic mechnaics and statics where you are mainly just using algebraic equations to solve problems you get into classes like fluids and dynamics which is all using diff eq. Diff eq allows you to calculate systems that are constantly changing such as the forces acting on a particular non-rigid body. Because non-rigid bodies deform when acted on by a force you a differential equation is constructed to predict the final results.

Also, math is just one aspect of AE. How good are your physics skills? Can you easily visualize and understand physics problems. Do you have a good grasp of the basic physical properties?

Understanding the basics of math and physics will help you a lot in engineering because it gives you a fall back point when doing more complicated problems. I was fortunate to have a physics professor for my first 3 semesters who really grilled us on the basic concepts.

My advice to you. If math and physics are not your strong points you might want to stay away from aeronautical engineering. If aeronautics really interests you stick with your computer engineering. You would be surprised at the vast range of applications it has in aeronautics. Think of flight control systems and the like. No matter how many aeronautical engineers you have working on that you need the computer guys to design those control systems. In fact you may want to look into systems control as a major. There are many schools that offer it.
However, if you think that you can really catch up and learn you algebra, calc, and physics then by all means follow your interests. That is the most important thing. The math and physics is hard but it is definatley do-able it just depends on how hard you work at it. Also, keep in mind that you may have to work twice as hard as other people in AE but that doesn't make you any less qualified.

If you have any more questions feel free to IM or email me.

01-16-2005, 11:26 PM	#13 (permalink)
supersix2 Insane Location: Houston	I'm an AE major and I have to admit that the math can be a bit overwhelming at times. You have to realize that Calculus and Algebra are really just the beginning of what you are going to need, mathematically, in aeronautical engineering. The main thing you are going to be using in your upper level engineering classes is going to be differential equations. Diff Eq requires a deep understanding of calculus and algebra methods but is most important in AE. Once you get past basic mechnaics and statics where you are mainly just using algebraic equations to solve problems you get into classes like fluids and dynamics which is all using diff eq. Diff eq allows you to calculate systems that are constantly changing such as the forces acting on a particular non-rigid body. Because non-rigid bodies deform when acted on by a force you a differential equation is constructed to predict the final results. Also, math is just one aspect of AE. How good are your physics skills? Can you easily visualize and understand physics problems. Do you have a good grasp of the basic physical properties? Understanding the basics of math and physics will help you a lot in engineering because it gives you a fall back point when doing more complicated problems. I was fortunate to have a physics professor for my first 3 semesters who really grilled us on the basic concepts. My advice to you. If math and physics are not your strong points you might want to stay away from aeronautical engineering. If aeronautics really interests you stick with your computer engineering. You would be surprised at the vast range of applications it has in aeronautics. Think of flight control systems and the like. No matter how many aeronautical engineers you have working on that you need the computer guys to design those control systems. In fact you may want to look into systems control as a major. There are many schools that offer it. However, if you think that you can really catch up and learn you algebra, calc, and physics then by all means follow your interests. That is the most important thing. The math and physics is hard but it is definatley do-able it just depends on how hard you work at it. Also, keep in mind that you may have to work twice as hard as other people in AE but that doesn't make you any less qualified. If you have any more questions feel free to IM or email me.