CSUN SAE Aero Senior Design
The Aero Senior Design course is a two-semester capstone project within the Mechanical Engineering Department, focused on the design and development of a radio-controlled airplane. This hands-on initiative underscores the importance of integrating educational values and technological advancements, with the goal of competing in the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Aero Design West competition, which addresses missions related to wildfire management.
Annually, 30 students from the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences collaborate to participate in the SAE Aero Design West competition. This project provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their technical skills and presents a platform for detailed presentations. These presentations cover the rationale behind design decisions, software and hardware considerations, and offer a comprehensive overview of the project's development.
The SAE Program envisions its events as a means to prepare future engineers for successful careers. By providing a platform for hands-on experience and technical challenges, the program aims to ensure that graduates enter the field with a strong foundation and the best possible start.
Brief History of the Program
2023-2024
International SAE Aero West 2024 Advanced Class
3rd – Technical Presentation
2024 CSUN Symposium
Top Undergraduate Student of Mechanical Engineering in May 2024 (Randall Englehardt)
Senior Design Project Showcase
Top Mechanical Engineering Team for Oral Presentation
2022-2023
International SAE Aero West 2023 Advanced Class
2nd – Technical Presentation
2023 CSUN Symposium
1st - 3-minute Presentation
1st - 10-minute Presentation
2021-2022
International SAE Aero West 2022 Advanced Class
2nd – Mission Performance
3rd – Technical Presentation
2022 CSUN Symposium
1st - Hamza Abdullah and Erick Navarro-Hernandez "Aerodynamic Characteristics of Horizontal and Vertical Tails".
1st - Christopher Gonzalez "Optimization of Electronic Control Systems".
1st - Sara Khan and Noe Diaz "Aerodynamics Analysis of a Powered Autonomous Delivery Aircraft"
2020-2021
International SAE Aero West 2021 Advanced Class:
1st – ME Senior Design Showcase
4th – Technical Presentation
2021 CSUNPosium:
1st - Isaac Chavez “Performance Study of Low Reynolds Number Eppler 423 Airfoil”
2nd- Lorenzo Quijas & Tahir Quettawala “Performance Study of a Lifting Fuselage”
2nd- Calvin Lau "FEA Analysis on the Colonist Delivery Aircraft Hook Mount”
