Module Details

Module Code: STRU H4601
Module Title: Aircraft Structural Mechanics and Analysis
Title: Aircraft Structural Mechanics and Analysis
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 10
Module Coordinator: Cathal Nolan
Module Author:: Edmond Tobin
Domains:  
Module Description: To provide the students with the knowledge and skills required for evaluate a range of structures under complex loading condition by analytical and numerical analysis.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Analyse complex stresses and strains due to combined loading and loading on oblique plains.
LO2 Plot the stresses and strains at any plane across the field using graphical methods such as Mohr’s circle.
LO3 Apply the theories of elastic failures to composite structures and assymmetric beams.
LO4 Execute the mathematical and physical principles underlying linear static structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
LO5 Analyse complex structural problems using commercial FEA software packages. Demonstrate the ability to design a component/assembly and carry out bolted joint analysis using FEA
LO6 Contribute effectively, as an individual or as part of a group, to the planning and realization of investigations in a laboratory environment into the behaviour of structural materials in service.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Stress Transformations
*Two-dimensional stress; Stress on oblique planes; Mohr’s circle of stress; Principal stresses. *Application to combined bending and shear stress in beams, combined bending and torsion in shafts
Strain Transformations
*Strains on oblique planes; Principal strains; Mohr’s circle of strain; Derivation of principal stresses from principal strains; Strain gauge rosettes
Theories of Elastic Failure
*Theories of elastic failure for ductile and brittle materials - Rankine, St Venant, Von-Mises, Haigh and Modified Mohr’s theory
Bending of Asymmetric Sections
*Product second moment of area; *Neutral axis; Maximum stress
Finite Element Analysis
Introduction to linear Finite Element static and dynamic analysis for discrete and distributed mechanical and aerospace structures using industry standard software. Theories relating to numerical integration, boundary conditions, element calculations, assembly, solution, error analysis, post processing. 3D FEA of parts and assemblies. Parametric modelling, mesh studies and quality, FEM validation, contact set studies including bolted joints analysis Introduction to natural frequencies, modal analysis, transient response. Introduction to optimization and design, sensitivity analysis, integration of FEM with optimization, applications in the design of solids and structures
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment20.00%
Practical20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 3,4,5,6
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will be required to submit an report on topics relating to structural Analysis using FEA. Students will also partake in a group design and analysis project.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will be expected to perform analysis of a part/assembly using FEA software.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Final exam
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 4.00 48
Laboratory Contact Lab class 12 Weeks per Stage 4.00 48
Independent Learning Time Non Contact Self study 15 Weeks per Stage 10.27 154
Total Weekly Contact Hours 8.00
 
Module Resources
Supplementary Book Resources
  • P. P. Benham, R. J. Crawford. (1996), Mechanics of engineering materials, 2nd. Longman Group, Harlow, Essex, England, [ISBN: 978-0582-25164-9].
  • C. T. Sun. (2006), Mechanics of aircraft structures, 2nd. J. Wiley, Hoboken, N.J., [ISBN: 978-0471-69966-8].
  • T.H.G. Megson. (2012), Aircraft Structures for Engineering Students, Fifth Edition, 5th. Butterworth-Heinemann, p.864, [ISBN: 9780080969053].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: