73186 - Aerospace Structures A

Learning outcomes

The student becomes familiar with the classical methods for the evaluation of stress and strain field in aerospace structures, with particular focus on the semi-monocoque configurations and thin plates; he/she deepens the concepts related to the stability and buckling of structures; he/she also acquires in-depth knowledge of numerical methodologies used in the design of aerospace structures.

Course contents

1) Stress and deformation evaluation in aerospace structures:

    Theory of elasticity
    Beam theory: normal forces, bending, torsion, shear
    Analysis of aeronautic structures by the beam theory
    Shear-lag
    Hyperstatic and energetic methods
    Finite element method
    Theory of the plates and shell
    

2) Analysis of the elastic equilibrium stability and collapse

    The stability concept
    Beam primary instability and collapse
    Beam torsional instability
    Instability of thin plates and collapse

Readings/Bibliography

E.F. Bruhn; “Analysis and design of flight vehicles structures”, ed. Jacobs
T.H.G. Megson; “Aircraft Structures for Engineering Students”, ed. Arnold
R. Rivello; “Theory and analysis of flight structures”, ed. McGraw-Hill
G. Cavallini; “Dispense del Corso di Strutture Aeronautiche”, (in Italian) Un. Pisa

Teaching methods

Lectures are held by the course teacher.  Explicit demonstration of the mathematical approach will be followed by applications to practical aerospace problems

Assessment methods

oral examination

Teaching tools

Computer slides by LCD projector are used in addition to the standard blackboard

Office hours

See the website of Enrico Troiani