Engineering Innovations: Aerospace vs. Chemical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering and chemical engineering are two streams in the broad spectrum of engineering embarking on the success of scientific innovation. Engineering is regarded as the strongest pillar of technology and scientific advancements. Aerospace Engineering and chemical engineering stand out for their research progress and scientific contributions to the world. Both fields of study are filled with scopes to conquering miraculous accomplishments. Here is everything you need to know about these two streams of professional courses in detail before choosing one.

Aerospace vs. Chemical Engineering: Course Duration and Eligibility

Aerospace and chemical engineering courses are available at both bachelor’s (B-Tech) and master’s (M-Tech) levels. The course duration for these courses is listed below:

1. Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering: 4 years
2. Master’s in Aerospace Engineering: 2 years
3. Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering: 4 years
4. Master’s in Chemical Engineering: 2 years

The eligibility criteria for enrolling in engineering bachelor’s programmes for both streams are completion of 12th of equivalent studies with maths and science as primary subjects.
The eligibility criteria for enrolling in for engineering master’s programme for both streams is completing a bachelor’s in the respective programme with an aggregate accepted by the university.

Aerospace vs. Chemical Engineering: Course Curriculum

The branch of aerospace engineering and chemical engineering has been popular for a very long time. These streams are popular and celebrated for various reasons ranging from their significant impact on the global economy to the subject challenged. Here is a structural outline of both courses for further clarity.

The core areas of study in Aerospace Engineering are listed below:

1. Computer application
2. Structures
3. Mathematics,
4. Physics
5. Drafting
6. Electricity
7. Robotics
8. Aeronautics
9. Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics.
10. Structural Dynamics and Aeroelasticity.
11. Composite Materials.
12. Aircraft Propulsion.
13. Aircraft Control.
14. Spacecraft Engineering.

The core areas of study in Chemical Engineering are listed below:

1. Chemical reaction engineering
2. Organic chemistry
3. Fluid mechanics
4. Analytical Chemistry
5. Nanotechnology
6. Electrochemistry
7. Industrial Chemistry
8. Electrochemical engineering
9. Inorganic chemistry

Aerospace vs. Chemical Engineering: Career Opportunities

The aerospace and chemical industry has always been a great contributor to the world’s growing economy. Since the time of the academic evolution of engineering, the course has grown to a career-promising field and below are a few of the several options available in the job market.

Career options for students after opting for Aerospace Engineering

1. Aerospace drafter: Involved in drafting technical drawings used for building aeroplanes and their parts.
2. Communications officer: Works at aeronautical communication centres, including both aeronautical broadcast and service fixed communications.
3. Aerospace technician: Works by testing, and building air and space vehicles and their supportive electronic systems.
4. Aviation manager: Works in controlling flight schedules, overseeing aircraft maintenance, flight crew management and more.
5. Aircraft designer: Designs, constructs maintain, and rectifies aircraft and spacecraft.
6. Aircraft mechanic: Works on analysing and diagnosing electrical and aeronautical problems of the aircraft and is engaged in rectifying and maintaining them.
7. Inspection manager: Inspects, tests and quality assures the parts and assembling of the aircraft during manufacturing and maintenance.

Career options for students after opting for Chemical Engineering

1. Process Engineer: They are involved with analysing and identifying the required design and operation strategies that need to be done for value addition to raw materials.
2. Product Development Engineer: Understand the company/client requirements and engage in developing new products for scaling up the service provided by the company.
3. Environmental Engineer: Understands, analyses, researches and updates the issues related to the environment to work on more sustainably relevant projects.
4. Bioprocess Engineer: Detects and understands the growing concerns and solves the problem using biochemical products.
5. Energy Engineer: Engaged in researching and designing better solutions to energy consumption.
6. Materials Engineer: Studies the properties of various raw materials and designs useful new materials with maximum potential.
7. Quality Control Engineer: Works on analysing and ensuring the quality of all the materials and equipment used in the company.
8. Safety Engineer: Curates newer and safer strategies and rules to safeguard employees from possible workplace hazards.

In Short

Aerospace Engineering and Chemical Engineering are vast with the potential to bring a beneficial change to mankind. After, having a closer look at the core areas of study and career prospects of both the streams of the discussed professional course, it is inferred that both disciplines portray the transformative power of the subject relevance. and human innovations. Both fields are career-promising for the subject potential and the hefty contribution of the respective sectors towards the global economy. Hence, the right choice of stream with passion and enthusiasm can further elevate the ever-evolving landscape of science.

FAQS

Q1: Can a chemical engineer work as an aerospace engineer?

A1: It is possible for chemical engineers to work in the aerospace sector. Their knowledge is useful in fields like thermal control systems, materials engineering, and fuel and propellant development.
Chemical engineers are frequently employed by large aerospace companies for positions where material science, thermodynamics, and chemistry meet with aerospace applications.

Q2: What engineering is closest to aerospace engineering?

A2: Mechanical engineering is considered the closest engineering discipline to aerospace engineering. Both disciplines share significant overlap in areas such as fluid mechanics, structural analysis, thermodynamics, etc.

Q3: Does NASA accept aerospace engineers?

A3: Yes. NASA actively recruits individuals with degrees in aerospace engineering for roles in aircraft, spacecraft design, flight systems, and space mission support. Aerospace engineering is one of the core disciplines sought for technical positions at NASA.

Q4: Which engineering is best for aircraft?

A4: Aerospace engineering is the best choice for an aircraft-related career. It focuses specifically on the design and development, testing, and maintenance of aerospace vehicles.

Q5: Does ISRO accept aerospace engineers?

A5: Indeed, aerospace engineers are employed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) for a variety of positions in avionics, propulsion systems, spacecraft design, launch vehicle development, and mission planning.

For technical roles, a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering is frequently accepted, particularly through tests like ISRO's Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) or GATE-based hiring.