93846 - Aerospace Structures

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:

Basic of the beam theory and its application to thin-walled aeronautical structures;

Shear-lag;

Restrained warping;

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;

Secondary buckling of beams

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

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

Verification of learning is carried out through an oral discussion on the topics analised during the lectures.

it is not possible to use notes, handouts, books under penalty of exclusion from the test.

Teaching tools

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

Office hours

See the website of Enrico Troiani