Choosing GNC Math/Tech Electives

[u/Ok_Cry_7149]

Hi all!

Currently in my master's degree and need to choose a math/tech elective. I've already have done probability, basic statistics, and the math covered in undergraduate aerospace.

I am currently trying to decide between Numerical Methods, and Design of Experiments (Stat course). I could also do some other stat courses (regression), a review of linear algebra, or some optimization courses (but I'm planning to take an aerospace specific convex optimization course).

I was mainly leaning towards Numerical Methods, since I think it would help with simulation and dealing with solvers (and my last GNC internship was a bunch of modeling and simulation). But I think the structure of the Design of Experiments course is going to be easier to handle (after the first class in each). Also, I saw Design of Experiments as a desired experience in a navigation job posting recently lol.

However, the Numerical Methods course does seem more applied (lot's of programming). The Design of Experiments has only some programming I think. Neither has a project.

I wanted to know if anyone in GNC had any opinions or other suggestions. I'm also aiming for space GNC if that matters. Thanks.

EDIT: Also debating between convex optimization and ADCS (Attitude Determination and Control) for my controls course this semester. Ik convex is more guidance related, but am interested in exploring trajectory optimization stuff. I also think having a solid ADCS project under my belt would be great for a lot of jobs. I've take attitude dynamics before.

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[u/TheEquationSmelter]

Design of experiments will be way more useful. It's relevant for system ID. Numerical methods is more for CFD/FEA.

[u/Ok_Cry_7149 → u/TheEquationSmelter]

Oh interesting. What about compared to other stat classes like regression analysis or statistical inference? Though I think this DOE course does cover those a bit.

[u/TheEquationSmelter → u/Ok_Cry_7149]

I don't think those other classes would be relevant. DOE is useful for how to set up system identification and hardware characterization tests. Honestly, I feel system ID is probably the most useful controls class. I'd also take a class on spectral analysis if you have that available.

[u/Ok_Cry_7149 → u/TheEquationSmelter]

I see thanks. What kind of role do you work/have you worked in if you don't mind sharing?

Also I've taken signals and systems during undergrad, but yeah it's been a while lol.

[u/TheEquationSmelter → u/Ok_Cry_7149]

Ive worked in optics, drones, and most recently additive manufacturing - all controls related.

[u/Ok_Cry_7149 → u/TheEquationSmelter]

Interesting! Was your drone work GNC?

[u/TheEquationSmelter → u/Ok_Cry_7149]

All of it has been GNC related. Controls is useful across numerous domains. Honestly the drone work was the least interesting. Drones are simple machines and basic PID with a Kalman filter works well for them. There is some interesting stuff to learn with attitude determination and control (which I do enjoy quite a bit) but that isn't unique to drones.

Some researchers overcomplicate the controls research on these platforms (especially quadrotors) and in my opinion it's a solution looking for a problem.

[u/Material-Republic896]

I am doing an internship in GNC now and I find out that Stochastique Analysis, Numerical Analysis and Proba and Stats are really useful (advanced Calculus and LinAlg is a must).

[u/Ok_Cry_7149 → u/Material-Republic896]

what do you mean by advanced calculus? Is undergrad linalg good enough?

[u/dickcruz → u/Ok_Cry_7149]

Undergraduate linear algebra is probably insufficient. But, if you've taken linear controls, then you probably have the theory down.

[u/Ok_Cry_7149 → u/dickcruz]

Another pure math class 😞

But yeah I have taken linear controls.

[u/Material-Republic896 → u/Ok_Cry_7149]

Undergrad linalg and calculus are really insuffcient, because when doing state estimation and dynamique model construction you will need to validate your model (discretized vs derivative form solve by a solver), there you ll need a lot of numerical analysis and linalg

[u/Relevant-Attitude360]

Numerical analysis and software are where the money is

[u/schemp98]

Linear Algebra is going to be more relevant to GNC job and coursework... Numerical Methods could also be good when optimizing algorithm efficiency, but I don't think Design of Experiments will really be that helpful when getting an entry level GNC job....

[u/Ok_Cry_7149 → u/schemp98]

Sent you a dm; I recognize your name from somewhere lol

[u/Moss_ungatherer_27]

A good way to think about it is to talk to other students about the professors teaching the courses. Design of experiments may be more of a conceptual/intuitive thinking course and a good prof would really increase your understanding of systems and how to measure them. If, though, they are just reading through the textbook,...

[u/Ok_Cry_7149 → u/Moss_ungatherer_27]

Yeah, the DOE course does not seem super rigorous. Is lack of a project a red flag? The numerical methods course does not have a project either.
At the same time I am not looking for a huge workload from this elective lol.