Integrating Efficiency-Driven Aircraft Design Trends Into Undergraduate Aeroelasticity Education

This paper describes an educational activity in the School of Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology that focused on integrating efficiency-driven aircraft design trends into an undergraduate aeroelasticity course. The activity involved enhancing the course with content on how these trends intersect with aeroelasticity and a project where students examined selected aircraft technologies from both sustainability and aeroelasticity perspectives. This paper documents the first classroom implementation of the initiative and shares lessons learned based on instructor observations. The primary goal is to serve as a useful reference for educators interested in similar course enhancements. A secondary goal is to highlight resources that help aerospace students connect aeroelasticity principles to future aircraft designs.