Checking date: 21/01/2025


Course: 2024/2025

Aerospace Structures
(15341)
Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering (Plan: 421 - Estudio: 251)


Coordinating teacher: ARTERO GUERRERO, JOSE ALFONSO

Department assigned to the subject: Continuum Mechanics and Structural Analysis Department

Type: Compulsory
ECTS Credits: 6.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:




Requirements (Subjects that are assumed to be known)
We strongly advise you not to take this course if you have not passed Physics I , Mechanics Applied to Aerospace Engineering and Introduction to structural analysis.
Objectives
Knowledge of the basic tools for the calculation of thin-walled beams, that provide to the student the ability to design structural components of the aerospace industry. Acquisition of the technological knowledge needed to calculate bidimensional structural elements used in aerospace structures. Knowledge of the basics of the design of structures made of composite materials, including composite laminates and sandwich structures, which are widely used in aerospace industry. Familiarity with the fundamentals of the design of the main structural elements and systems used in aircrafts. Ability to use specific software to analyse, design and calculation of structural elements, developing a critical awareness.
Learning Outcomes
CB2: Students are able to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the competences usually demonstrated through the development and defence of arguments and problem solving within their field of study. CB5: Students will have developed the learning skills necessary to undertake further study with a high degree of autonomy. CG2: Planning, drafting, direction and management of projects, calculation and manufacturing in the field of aerospace engineering. CG5: Ability to carry out projection activities, technical management, expert appraisal, drafting of reports, opinions, and technical advice in tasks related to Aeronautical Technical Engineering, the exercise of genuinely aerospace technical functions and positions. CG9: Ability to analyse and solve aerospace problems in new or unknown environments, within broad and complex contexts, integrated in multidisciplinary and international work teams. CG10: Ability to use computational and experimental tools for the analysis and quantification of engineering problems. CE.CRA1: Understand the behaviour of structures under stresses in service conditions and limit situations. CE.CRA9: Adequate knowledge and applied to Engineering of: The principles of the mechanics of the continuous medium and the techniques for calculating its response. CE.CRA13: Applied knowledge of: the science and technology of materials; mechanics and thermodynamics; fluid mechanics; aerodynamics and flight mechanics; navigation and air traffic systems; aerospace technology; theory of structures; air transport; economics and production; projects; environmental impact. RA1: Have basic knowledge and understanding of mathematics, basic sciences, and engineering within the aerospace field, including: behaviour of structures; thermodynamic cycles and fluid mechanics; the air navigation system, air traffic, and coordination with other means of transport; aerodynamic forces; flight dynamics; materials for aerospace use; manufacturing processes; airport infrastructures and buildings. In addition to a specific knowledge and understanding of the specific aircraft and aero-engine technologies in each of the subjects included in this degree. RA2: Be able to identify aerospace engineering problems, recognise specifications, collect and interpret data and information, establish different resolution methods and select the most appropriate among the available alternatives. RA3: Be able to carry out designs in the field of aerospace vehicles, propulsion systems, navigation and air traffic control, airport infrastructures, or equipment and materials for aerospace use, which comply with the required specifications, collaborating with other engineers and graduates. RA4: Graduates will be able to carry out initial research methods approaches commensurate with their level of knowledge involving literature searches, design and execution of experiments, data interpretation, selection of the best proposal and computer simulation. RA6: Have the necessary skills for the practice of engineering in today's society.
Description of contents: programme
Chapter 1. Structures in the aerospace and aeronautical sector Subject 1. Structural description of the aircraft ­ 1.1 Loads on aircraft structures ­ 1.2 Function of structural components ­ 1.3 Wing structure ­ 1.4 Fuselage structure ­ 1.5 Stabilizers structure ­ 1.6 Helicopter structure Subject 2. Structures in the aeronautical sector ­ 2.1 Frame and truss structures ­ 2.2 Space structures ­ 2.3. Future trends 2.4. Energetic methods 2.5. Thermal loads Chapter 2. Bending, shear and torsion of thin-walled beams Subject 3 and 4. Bending and shear of open and closed, thin-walled beams ­ 3.1 Kinematic hypothesis ­ 3.2 Shear of open section beams ­ 3.3 Shear of closed section beams ­ 3.4 Shear centre Subject 5. Torsion of beams ­ 5.1 Torsion of closed section beams ­ 5.2 Torsion of open section beams Subject 6. Torsion on multiple-cell thin-walled beams ­ 6.1 Torsion of multiple-cell closed section beams ­ 6.2 Torsion of multiple-cell open section beams Chapter 3. Plates and Shells Subject 7 and 8. Bending of thin plates ­ 7. 1 Kinematic ­ 7.2 Plates subjected to a distributed transverse loads ­ 7.3 Plates subjected to bending and twisting ­ Subject 9 and 10. Shells ­ 9.1 Hypotheses 9.2 Thin shells subjected to in-plane loads 9.3 Thin shells subjected to bending loads Chapter 4. Laminate and sandwich structures Subject 11. Theory of laminate ­ 11.1 Kinematic ­ 11.2 Orthotropic constitutive equations ­ 11.3 Classical and first-order theories of laminate composites ­ 11.4 Failure criteria Subject 12. Composite beams and plates ­ 12.1 Composite beams subjected to bending ­ 12.2 Composite thin-walled cross-section beams ­ 12.3 Bending of composite plates Subject 13. Sandwich structures ­ 13.1 Basic sandwich theory ­ 13.2 Sandwich beams ­ 13.3 Sandwich plates
Learning activities and methodology
In each week one lecture session ONLINE (master class) and one practical session (in reduced groups) will be taught. The first is geared to the acquisition of theoretical knowledge, and the second to the acquisition of practical skills related to theoretical concepts. Additionally, students will complement the classes with work at home, using material provided on Aula Global. In addition to these sessions, four laboratory practical sessions in reduced groups (maximum 20 students) will be impart. These practices are mandatory. Students also have the possibility of individual tutorials.
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination 60
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 40

Calendar of Continuous assessment


Extraordinary call: regulations
Basic Bibliography
  • Barbero E.J.. Introduction to composite materials. Taylor and Francis. 1999
  • Megson, T.H.G.. Aircraft structures for engineering students. Elsevier. 2007
  • Timoshenko, S.P.. Theory of plates and shells. McGraw Hill. 1st ed. 1940
Additional Bibliography
  • Daniels I.M. , Isahi. Engineering Mechanics of composite materials. Oxford Univerisyty Press. 1994
  • Ugural, A. C.. Stresses in beams, plates, and shells. Taylor & Francis. 2009
  • Vinson, J. R.. The Behavior of thin walled structures: beams, plates, and shells. Kluwer Academic Publishers. 1989
Detailed subject contents or complementary information about assessment system of B.T.

The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.