LE 1 - Contributions of Chemical Engineering in the Aviation and Aeronautics Industry

Question 1

encompass a broad spectrum of activities,
ranging from designing, manufacturing, and operating aircraft to developing spacecraft for
space exploration

Answer 1

Aeronautical and aviation industries

Question 2

these industries play an essential role in our interconnected world, constantly evolving and
advancing with the help of innovative technologies and expert professionals

Answer 2

Aeronautical and aviation industries

Question 3

plays a vital role within these industries, contributing to the development of advanced materials, cleaner propulsion systems, and sustainable technologies.

Answer 3

Chemical engineering

Question 4

Chemical engineers are able to fulfill a variety of roles in the field of space
exploration, such as?

Answer 4

• studying and developing batteries for manned spaceflight
• chemically producing the thrust needed to propel a rocket into space

Question 5

Chemical engineers are still employed in the aviation sector today by?

Answer 5

• developing materials for planes such as paints, jet fuels, sealants, and airplane parts
• ensuring the proper operation of rockets and commercial flights

Question 6

Chemical engineers also contribute to the understanding of _______________ and _________________ as understanding fluid behavior is crucial for enhancing process efficiency and product quality of materials being produced

Answer 6

fluid dynamics
aerodynamics

Question 7

Chemical engineers also work on ________________________ of aviation and aerospace activities, emission reduction, alternative fuels, engine design, etc.

Answer 7

minimizing the environmental impact

Question 8

Overall, the problems that chemical engineers are trying to solve in air and space include:

Answer 8

Materials Development
Propulsion Systems
Fuel Technology
Aerodynamics and Fluid Dynamics
Environmental Impact Mitigation

Question 9

The lists of aviation and aeronautics organizations and companies that hire chemical engineers

Answer 9

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
SpaceX
Airbus
Honeywell
Safran (a French multinational aerospace)
General Electric (GE Aviation)
Airbus

Question 10

Prominent Chemical Engineers in the Aviation Industry

Answer 10

• Kate McMurtry
• Daniela Barajas Ivey

Question 11

She is the branch chief of operations engineering at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration - NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California.

Answer 11

Kate McMurtry

Question 12

She has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Degree.

Answer 12

Kate McMurtry

Question 13

She found her true interest in aeronautics while working for both the Air Force and NASA in which her background in Chemical Engineering helped establish her engineering and materials science knowledge.

Answer 13

Kate McMurtry

Question 14

She believes that Chemical Engineering can be found in all disciplines.

Answer 14

Daniela Barajas Ivey

Question 15

Her role in the aerospace industry is developing an Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) that can turn wastewater and waste CO₂-rich air into breathable oxygen and drinkable water. In which designing and optimizing systems is pure Chemical Engineering.

Answer 15

Daniela Barajas Ivey

Question 16

The definition of Chemical Engineering that resonated with her the most is that “Chemical Engineering is using chemical processes to turn unusable materials into commodities.”

Answer 16

Daniela Barajas Ivey