C++ in Aerospace Simulations from Udemy

This C++ course will take you deep into the guts of aerospace simulations. Like the students that I taught at the University of Florida, you should come with a first knowledge of C++ and a general understanding of flight dynamics. Step-by-step I combine C++ constructs with increasingly more complex aerospace features. You will be given access to eight simulations that replicate this build-up, culminating in a final multi-object CRUISE simulation.

I teach by example, using UAVs attacking targets, tracked by overhead satellites. Though I show you how to build this complete aerospace simulation, my focus is on the main elements of the C++ PIE: Polymorphism, Inheritance, Encapsulation. I apply them to overloading functions—both pure and virtual functions—leading to the efficient run-time polymorphism; arrange the aerospace vehicles—UAV, target, and satellite—into a hierarchical inheritance structure; and encapsulate into classes the aerodynamic and propulsive data to protect their access.

Though I use my simulation framework CADAC++ to exemplify the key features of C++, you will find that the C++ PIE is feeding most if not all complex aerospace simulations. (At the end of the course I will briefly discuss three other architectures.) Your familiarity with CADAC++ will also open for you all my other simulations of missiles, aircraft, rockets, and hypersonic vehicles.

Update April 2024: Simulations compatible with Microsoft VS C++ 2022 are added to the downloadable resources.

So, take the plunge and become a C++ expert in aerospace simulations.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Applying the power of c++ to aerospace simulations
Grasping how polymorphism, inheritance, and encapsulation (pie) build sophisticated simulations
Developing a uav simulation step-by-step into a full netcentric model

Experiencing the cadac++ framework in comparison to other c++ architectures
Getting ready for developing your own project simulations

Applying the power of c++ to aerospace simulations
Grasping how polymorphism, inheritance, and encapsulation (pie) build sophisticated simulations
Developing a uav simulation step-by-step into a full netcentric model
Experiencing the cadac++ framework in comparison to other c++ architectures
Getting ready for developing your own project simulations

Syllabus

Find out what my course is all about and get started

Find out what my course is all about.

Start simulating right away!

Do you remember your C++ syntax?

See how hierarchy of classes are used in aerospace simulations

Discover how the hierarchy of classes is used in aerospace simulations.

Take it easy by running a simple satellite simulation.

Modelling the vehicle components

Components are programmed in modules.

Another simple simulation for your enjoyment.

How do you store and use aerodynamic and propulsion data decks?

You use multi-dimensional tables for aerodynamics and propulsion data decks.

After satellite and target you now fly the UAV but without autopilot.

You will learn how to change flight modes.

You will change the flight phases by introducing events.

Now you fly the UAV controlled by an autopilot.

You will see polymophism in action.

With run-time polymorphism you create a flexible simulation.

With the navigation system installed, you can now fly your UAV through way-points.

You will see how encapsulated objects communicate with each other.

You learn how to communicate between encapsulated objects.

With a seeker your UAV can now attack a target.

You learn about other C++ architectures and run the full netcentric UAV simulaton.

You will compare four C++ architectures of aerospace simulations.

Finally the climax: You will fly multiple UAVs attacking multiple targets tracked by satellites.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches how to model complex aerospace simulations using C++ and the principles of Polymorphism, Inheritance, and Encapsulation

Coursework increases incrementally in complexity, building to a netcentric multi-object simulation

Taught by Peter H Zipfel, an expert in aerospace simulation with a strong reputation in the field

Uses a custom CADAC++ framework, which may limit transferability of skills unless learners also plan to use CADAC++

Assumes learners have prior knowledge of C++ and flight dynamics, which may be limiting for beginners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in C++ in Aerospace Simulations with these activities:

Review your C++ programming skills before starting the course

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This will help you get up to speed quickly and make the most of the course.

Browse courses on C++

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Read through your old notes or textbooks.
Solve some practice problems online.

Practice basic C++ programming drills

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Practice basic concepts and syntax before moving onto more complex topics.

Browse courses on C++

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Practice writing and compiling simple C++ programs, including variables, operators, and control flow.
Solve programming problems on platforms such as LeetCode or HackerRank.

Review your knowledge of flight dynamics before starting this course

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This will provide a solid foundation for understanding the concepts of aerospace simulations.

Browse courses on Flight Dynamics

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Read through your old notes or textbooks.
Attend a refresher course or workshop.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Review 'Object-Oriented Programming with C++'

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Allows you to refresh your memory before starting a new course on C++ programming for aerospace simulations.

View Data Structures & Algorithms in Python on Amazon

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Read the first two chapters.
Complete the practice exercises in the first two chapters.

Follow guided tutorials on object-oriented programming in C++

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Guided tutorials will help you understand concepts and apply them to your own code.

Browse courses on Object-Oriented Programming

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Find online tutorials or courses on object-oriented programming in C++.
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises.

Build a simple C++ program that simulates a flight

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Provides hands-on experience applying C++ to aerospace simulation.

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Design a simple flight model that includes basic physics.
Implement the flight model in C++.
Create a graphical user interface (GUI) to visualize the flight.

Find mentors in the C++ and aerospace simulation communities

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Mentors can provide valuable guidance and support throughout your learning journey.

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Attend industry events and conferences to network with professionals.
Reach out to professors or experts in your field.

Write a blog post or article summarizing your learnings from this course

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Summarizing your learnings in your own words will help reinforce your understanding and identify areas for further exploration.

Browse courses on C++

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Choose a topic that you found particularly interesting or challenging.
Research the topic further to deepen your understanding.
Write a blog post or article that explains the topic in detail.

Career center

Learners who complete C++ in Aerospace Simulations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Aerospace Engineer

An Aerospace Engineer designs aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and other related systems. You need to be well-versed in the principles of aerodynamics and propulsion. This course will help you to develop the C++ skills you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use C++ to simulate the flight of aircraft and spacecraft. You will also learn how to use C++ to develop software for controlling aircraft and spacecraft.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer

Avionics Engineer

An Avionics Engineer designs, develops, and tests avionics systems for aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles. You need to have a strong understanding of electronics and computer science. This course will help you to develop the C++ skills you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use C++ to develop software for controlling avionics systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Avionics Engineer

Control Systems Engineer

A Control Systems Engineer designs, develops, and tests control systems for a variety of applications, including aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles. You need to have a strong understanding of mathematics and physics. This course will help you to develop the C++ skills you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use C++ to develop software for controlling control systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Control Systems Engineer

Flight Test Engineer

A Flight Test Engineer plans and conducts flight tests for aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles. You need to have a strong understanding of aerodynamics and propulsion. This course will help you to develop the C++ skills you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use C++ to develop software for analyzing flight test data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Flight Test Engineer

Mission Systems Engineer

A Mission Systems Engineer designs, develops, and tests mission systems for aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles. You need to have a strong understanding of systems engineering and computer science. This course will help you to develop the C++ skills you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use C++ to develop software for controlling mission systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mission Systems Engineer

Propulsion Engineer

A Propulsion Engineer designs, develops, and tests propulsion systems for aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles. You need to have a strong understanding of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. This course will help you to develop the C++ skills you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use C++ to develop software for controlling propulsion systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Propulsion Engineer

Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, develops, and tests robots for a variety of applications, including manufacturing, healthcare, and space exploration. You need to have a strong understanding of mechanical engineering and computer science. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in developing software for controlling robots.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software for a variety of applications, including aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. You need to have a strong understanding of computer science. This course will help you to develop the C++ skills you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use C++ to develop software for a variety of applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst analyzes and designs systems for a variety of applications, including aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. You need to have a strong understanding of systems engineering and computer science. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in developing software for systems analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer writes technical documentation for a variety of products and services, including aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. You need to have a strong understanding of technical writing and computer science. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in developing software for technical writing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

UX Designer

A UX Designer designs the user experience for a variety of products and services, including aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. You need to have a strong understanding of human-computer interaction and computer science. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in developing software for UX design.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Web Developer

A Web Developer designs and develops websites and web applications. You need to have a strong understanding of web development and computer science. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in developing software for web development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist analyzes data to extract insights and trends. You need to have a strong understanding of statistics and computer science. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in developing software for data science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer develops and deploys machine learning models. You need to have a strong understanding of machine learning and computer science. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in developing software for machine learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Cloud Architect

A Cloud Architect designs and deploys cloud computing solutions. You need to have a strong understanding of cloud computing and computer science. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in developing software for cloud computing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect