This course provides an introduction to various analytical techniques involved in aircraft structural mechanics analysis, especially for different airframe components. In particular the following topic are covered:

■ analytical methods for structural mechanics (i.e., evaluation of bending moments and deflections) of indeterminate frame structures obtained in various airframe components (wings, fuselage, etc.);

■ aircraft component structural analysis in presence of various realistic aerodynamic and inertial loads;

■ calculation of geometric properties in complex section members;

■ assessment of bending and torsional stresses in complex sections;

■ concepts of shear flow and shear centre;

■ load distributions within single and multi-cell boxes;

■ introduction to concepts of optimisation (i.e. minimise structural weight/materials) and their relevance for new sustainable airframes.

2 lectures per week

None

None

60% Final written exam

15% Design and optimisation project report

25% Online assessment of Teaching Block 1 (Moodle Quiz)

The aims of this course are to:

■ provide familiarity with important analytical methods for aircraft structural analysis;

■ provide familiarity with correct application of analytical aircraft structural component analysis in presence of realistic loads;

■ help students to develop analytical skills and understanding of structural mechanics in airframe components;

■ introduce students to concepts of aircraft structural optimisation and their relevance for sustainable aviation;

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Evaluate shear force and bending moment (response of airframe structures to external loading) diagrams for various continuous airframe structures;

■ Select and implement appropriate techniques of structural analysis of airframe components in present of realistic loads;

■ Evaluate section properties for non-symmetric structural members;

■ Evaluate the loading distribution within single or multi-cell boxes and assess possibility of structural failure;

■ Justify aircraft structural component preliminary design and optimisation choices for sustainable aviation

Students must attend the degree examination.

Students should attend at least 75% of the timetabled classes of the course.

Students must complete the set exercise

Note that these are minimum requirements: good students will achieve far higher participation/submission rates.  Any student who misses an assessment or a significant number of classes because of illness or other good cause should report this by completing a MyCampus absence report.