93756 - Fundamentals Of Aircraft Design

Learning outcomes

The integrated course Fundamentals of Aerospace Engineering introduces the student to the principles that govern the design and operation of aerospace vehicles. The student develops a multidisciplinary understanding of the main areas of aerospace engineering — aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and flight mechanics — learning how aerodynamic, structural, and performance aspects interact in defining an aircraft configuration. In this module, the student becomes familiar with the structural layout of aircraft and with the nature of airframe loads. The course introduces the classical methods for the evaluation of stresses and strains in basic aerospace structural elements, with particular emphasis on beams and semi-monocoque configurations, providing the foundation for advanced courses in aerospace structures and design.

Course contents

Introduction.

• Aircraft architecture.
• Wing geometry.
• Aircraft structures classification.

Stresses evaluation in thin-walled structures.

• Beam sections geometric characteristics evaluation (centre of gravity, inertia moments, etc.).
• Direct and shear stress evaluation in thin-walled beams. Shear centre.

Airframe loads.

• Load factor determination. Symmetrical manoeuvres loads. Flight envelope.
• Gust analysis and gust envelope.
• Unsymmetrical loads due to a roll manoeuvre.
• Landing loads: 1 and 2 degrees of freedom dynamic models; landing loads evaluation depending on aircraft attitude.

Readings/Bibliography

• T.H.G. Megson, "Aircraft Structures for engineering students", Arnold (London) 1999

• E.F. Bruhn, "Analysis and design of flight vehicle structures", Jacobs Publishing inc. 1973

Teaching methods

Lessons and practical classes.

Assessment methods

Written examination.

During the written test it is forbidden to refer to any book, note or solved exercise.

In accordance with the University Code of Ethics (Codice Etico di Ateneo), students’ attention is drawn to the obligation to adopt conduct based on the highest standards of integrity.
Any activity that may compromise the proper conduct of examinations is prohibited, including but not limited to:

• cheating and plagiarism;
• access to online learning resources;
• use of artificial intelligence tools not expressly authorized;
• use or possession of unauthorized materials or equipment.

It is specified that the mere possession of unauthorized tools or materials during the conduct of any examination results in the immediate invalidation of the submitted work and notification to the competent offices.

Any conduct in violation of the above provisions may result in disciplinary proceedings and, where criminal relevance applies, reports to the competent authorities, with the consequent risk of criminal proceedings being initiated against the students involved.

Teaching tools

• Slideshows (PPT and/or PDF files)
• Lecture notes
• Examples and solved exercises

Office hours

See the website of Martino Carlo Moruzzi