Aerospace Materials (Minor)

The Aerospace Materials minor is an interdisciplinary program that integrates science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences to examine the materials that enable air, space, and weapons systems. The curriculum focuses on materials used in aircraft, helicopters, spacecraft, and advanced weapon platforms, including structural materials; high-temperature materials for propulsion; and materials supporting energy conversion, communications, avionics, and related systems.

Through this minor, cadets study the science, engineering, and application of aerospace materials across their full lifecycle, from design and development to selection, performance and sustainability. Coursework emphasizes the relationships among processing, structure, properties, and performance; materials selection for aerospace structures, propulsion, and systems; recycling and sustainability considerations; and the broader societal, economic and environmental factors that influence material innovation. Together, these perspectives prepare future officers to contribute to a technically proficient workforce and help ensure the Air Force, Space Force, and Department of War maintain a decisive technological advantage.

Potential Job Assignments

Sample Courses

Materials Science for Engineers (mandatory)
Aircraft Design
Chemistry of Advanced Materials
Applied Statistical Modeling

Suggested Course Sequence

Structural Materials Track

Functional Materials Track

Computational Materials and Informatics Track

Cadet-designed Custom Materials Tracks will be subject to the DFME Head’s approval.

Choice Humanities/Social Science courses

CONTACT US

Dr. T. V. Jayaraman
Assistant Professor
tanjore.jayaraman@afacademy.af.edu
(719) 333-8559