Course syllabus - Aircraft Structures and Materials II

Objectives

The objective of the course is to provide insights into dimensioning problems in aircraft and helicopter construction that are related to the mechanics of materials. The course is also intended to provide insights into the function of construction elements and into theories for structural analysis. In connection with the discussion of structures, knowledge of materials currently used in the construction of aircraft will be provided.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

- set up equations of motion for an aircraft and different types of flight, as well as to determine the connection between stress and motion parameters
- give an account of the sign convention and notation in connection with the uncovering of open and closed thin-walled beams and for the latter, to calculate the following: stress distribution, strain, shear flow, and deflection in connection with bending
- describe how different aircraft components can be represented in idealized models, as well as to carry out shear flow and stress calculations with the help of these models
- describe the most common atomic alignments in metallic materials, as well as the phase transition process and how microstructures develop
- give an account of mechanical properties and mechanical testing, as well as of different types of fracture: ductile and brittle fracture, creep and fatigue fracture
- describe the main types of steel and other metal alloys, including their properties and applications
- give an account of heat treatment of alloys
- give an account of different types of composite materials and their use in aircraft structures

Course content

- the stress factor and inertia loads on aircraft in connection with different types of flight
- stress in connection with gusts of wind
- bending, shear and torsion of open and closed thin-walled beams
- neutral axis, shear centre, and shear flow
- structural instability and buckling of plates
- idealized models of aircraft components
- stress analysis of fuselage, beams and wings
- shear flow in frames and wing structures
- stress analysis of sandwich constructions
- phase transition: 1) solidification, 2) diffusionless
- toughening mechanisms
- structural changes
- atomic and molecular structure of metals
- dislocation and other lattice effects
- steel and other alloys
- composite materials

Tuition

Teaching and learning take place by means of seminars and laboratory work.

Specific requirements

Aircraft Structures and Materials I 7,5 credits or equivalent.

Examination

Exercise, (LAB1) 3 credits, marks Pass (G)
Written examination, (TEN1) 4.5 credits, marks 3, 4 or 5

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass with credit, Pass, Fail