Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit aims to develop an understanding of the analytical methodologies used in strength and stiffness assessment of aircraft structures. The unit will develop an understanding of the translation of aerodynamic and ground loading on aircraft wings and fuselage to the overall airframe. An understanding of the concept of structural idealisation and constraint will be developed along with real-world limitations. The principles of stressed skin construction will be considered in detail. The unit aims to develop an understanding of the analysis and design of structural problems common in the aerospace industry. It will provide students with the tools necessary to analyse aircraft structures.

Objectives

Understanding of the relevance of strength and stiffness aspects of aircraft structures and components, including stressed skin construction.
Appreciation of a range of modeling tools and analytical methodologies currently used in the aerospace industry.
Understanding of the interaction between, often conflicting, requirements in the design of airframes i.e. aerodynamics, avionics and propulsion.
Knowledge and skills to translate real-world forces into abstract form for engineering modeling of airframes.
Understand the concept of loads and load paths on the airframe and the structural requirements of airworthiness.
Knowledge of alternative analytical tools to solve similar airframe problems.
Apply and contrast a range of analytical tools currently used in the aerospace industry.
Calculate elastic stresses and deflections in aircraft structures and associated components.
Apply the concept of structural idealization and constraint.
Analyse torsion of wing boxes and other non-circular cross-sections.
Analyse stresses and deflections of flat plates.
Analyse bending, shear and torsion of open and closed thin-walled sections.
Appreciate the relationship between analytical methodologies and real-world aircraft design.
Confidence in evaluating new engineering problems in the aerospace industry and formulating original solutions.

Assessment

Problem sets: 10%
Laboratory reports: 20%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Mark Thompson

Contact hours

Six hours of contact time per week (usually 3 hours lectures and 3 hours practice sessions or laboratories) and 6 hours of private study per week

Prerequisites

MEC2402, MAE2401 and MAE2400 (or MTE3541)