GATE Aerospace Engineering Question Papers

Important Note for Candidates: In each of the following subjects the topics have been divided into two
categories – Core Topics and Special Topics. The corresponding sections of the question paper will
contain 90% of their questions on Core Topics and the remaining 10% on Special Topics.

Section1: Engineering Mathematics
Core Topics:

Linear Algebra: Vector algebra, Matrix algebra, systems of linear equations, rank of a matrix, eigenvalues
and eigenvectors.

Calculus: Functions of single variable, limits, continuity and differentiability, mean value theorem, chain
rule, partial derivatives, maxima and minima, gradient, divergence and curl, directional derivatives.
Integration, Line, surface and volume integrals. Theorems of Stokes, Gauss and Green.

Differential Equations: First order linear and nonlinear differential equations, higher order linear ODEs
with constant coefficients. Partial differential equations and separation of variables methods.

Special Topics:
Fourier Series, Laplace Transforms, Numerical methods for linear and nonlinear algebraic equations,
Numerical integration and differentiation. Complex analysis. Probability and statistics.

Section 2: Flight Mechanics
Core Topics:
Basics: Atmosphere: Properties, standard atmosphere. Classification of aircraft. Airplane (fixed wing
aircraft) configuration and various parts. Pressure altitude; equivalent, calibrated, indicated air speeds;

Primary flight instruments: Altimeter, ASI, VSI, Turn-bank indicator. Angle of attack, sideslip; Roll,
pitch & yaw controls. Aerodynamic forces and moments.

Airplane performance: Drag polar; takeoff and landing; steady climb & descent; absolute and service
ceiling; range and endurance, load factor, turning flight, V-n diagram. Winds: head, tail & cross winds.

Static stability: Stability & control derivatives; longitudinal stick fixed & free stability; horizontal tail
position and size; directional stability, vertical tail position and size; lateral stability. Wing dihedral,
sweep & position; hinge moments, stick forces.

Special Topics:
Dynamic stability: Euler angles; Equations of motion; Decoupling of longitudinal and lateral-directional
dynamics; longitudinal modes; lateral-directional modes.

Section 3: Space Dynamics
Core Topics:
Central force motion, determination of trajectory and orbital period in simple cases. Kepler’s laws; escape
velocity.
No Special Topics:

Section 4: Aerodynamics
Core Topics:
Basic Fluid Mechanics: Conservation laws: Mass, momentum and energy (Integral and differential form);
Dimensional analysis and dynamic similarity; Potential flow theory: sources, sinks, doublets, line vortex
and their superposition. Elementary ideas of viscous flows including boundary layers.

Airfoils and wings: Airfoil nomenclature; Aerodynamic coefficients: lift, drag and moment; Kutta-
Joukoswki theorem; Thin airfoil theory, Kutta condition, starting vortex; Finite wing theory: Induced

drag, Prandtl lifting line theory; Critical and drag divergence Mach number.

Compressible Flows: Basic concepts of compressibility, One-dimensional compressible flows, Isentropic
flows, Fanno flow, Rayleigh flow; Normal and oblique shocks, Prandtl-Meyer flow; Flow through
nozzles and diffusers.

Special Topics:
Wind Tunnel Testing: Measurement and visualization techniques. Shock – boundary layer interaction.

Section 5: Structures
Core Topics:
Strength of Materials: Stress and strain: Three-dimensional transformations, Mohr’s circle, principal
stresses, Three-dimensional Hooke’s law, Plane stress and strain. Failure theories: Maximum stress, Tresca
and von Mises. Strain energy. Castigliano’s principles. Statically determinate and indeterminate trusses and
beams. Elastic flexural buckling of columns.

Flight vehicle structures: Characteristics of aircraft structures and materials. Torsion, bending and shear of
thin-walled sections. Loads on aircraft.

Structural Dynamics: Free and forced vibrations of undamped and damped SDOF systems. Free vibrations
of undamped 2-DOF systems.

Special Topics:
Vibration of beams. Theory of elasticity: Equilibrium and compatibility equations, Airy’s stress function.

Section 6: Propulsion
Core Topics:
Basics: Thermodynamics, boundary layers, heat transfer, combustion and thermochemistry.
Aerothermodynamics of aircraft engines: Thrust, efficiency, range. Brayton cycle. Engine performance:
ramjet, turbojet, turbofan, turboprop and turboshaft engines. Afterburners.

Turbomachinery: Axial compressors: Angular momentum, work and compression, characteristic performance of a
single axial compressor stage, efficiency of the compressor and degree of reaction, multi-staging. Centrifugal
compressor: Stage dynamics, inducer, impeller and diffuser. Axial turbines: Stage performance.

Rockets: Thrust equation and specific impulse, rocket performance. Multi-staging. Chemical rockets.
Performance of solid and liquid propellant rockets.

Special Topics:
Aerothermodynamics of non-rotating propulsion components such as intakes, combustor and nozzle. Turbine
blade cooling. Compressor-turbine matching, Surge and stall.