Course syllabus - Aircraft Structures and Materials I

Objectives

The objective of the course is to provide a basic knowledge of the mechanics of materials, in particular as applicable to aircraft. The course is also intended to provide students with knowledge of the mechanical properties of different materials, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge, in an independent manner, to practical problems.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
- set up equations of equilibrium for various simple objects that are exposed to external forces and moments, and to calculate the normal and shear stresses arising in the material
- calculate deformations arising in objects made of different materials that are exposed to stress, and to determine different limits of strength
- determine important parameters for cross-section surfaces, such as the centre of gravity, static surface moments, and surface inertia moments, as well as to apply the parallel displacement rule
- calculate stress and strain at the nodes for simple cases of stressed supportive bar structures, and describe how compatibility relationships are used in connection with statically undetermined problems
- calculate, and draw lateral-force and moment diagrams for, simple cases of stressed isostatic beams
- calculate the centre of shear stress for simple cases of stressed beam cross-sections
- determine the main stress directions and draw Mohr´s circle for plane stresses

Course content

- single-axis stress and deformation analysis
- normal and shear stress
- Saint-Venant´s principle for equations of equilibrium in two and three dimensions
- Mohr´s stress circle and main stresses
- normal and shear strain
- the relationship between stress and deformation, as well as between materials; the modulus of elasticity and Hooke´s Law
- floating conditions, fracture mechanics, limits for fracture and stretching
- two-dimensional equilibriums
- statically determined and undetermined supportive bar structures
- torsion and bending of a massive axle with arbitrary cross-section
- fracture and torsion of thin-walled pipes
- bending and torsion of thin sheet metals

Tuition

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

Specific requirements

Mechanics I 7,5 ECTS credits or equivalent.

Examination

Laboratory work (LAB1), 1.5 credits, marks 3, 4 or 5
Written examination (TEN1), 6 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