4 ECTS credits
110 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4004781FNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
Theoretical part:
- Introduction to aircraft structures (trussed, moncoque, semi-monocoque)
- Certification specifications (safety factors, fatigue, fail-safe design)
- Overview of aircraft loads and their effects on the structural design
- Analysis of closed and open thin-walled beams
- Plate and shell theory applied to aircraft skin and web panels
- Buckling and post-buckling behaviour of skin and web panels, crippling loads
Practical part:
- Practical analysis of a typical trussed wing structure (emphasis on load transfer)
- Practical analysis of thin-walled representative of aircraft structures
- Structural idealization of thin-walled structures
- Practical analysis of a typical fuselage configuration
- Practical analysis of a typical 'torque-box' wing configuration
- Practical determination of buckling, crippling, wrinkling and inter-rivet buckling loads in compression panels
Course notes written by the course instructor.
Complementary study material:
- Allen, D.H. & Haisler, W.E. Introduction to aerospace structural analysis. John Wiley & Sons, 1985
- Bruhn, E.F. Analysis and design of flight vehicle structures. Jacobs Publishing, 1973
- Niu, M.C.Y. Airframe stress analysis and sizing. Hong Kong Conmilit Press, 1997
- Megson, T.H. Aircraft structures for Engineering Students. Arnold, 1999
- Rivello, R.M. Theory and analysis of flight structures. Mc. Graw Hill, 1969
At the end of the course the student should have understood the major characteristics of metallic aircraft structures and the principles underlying their design. He/she should be able to sketch preliminary structural components (wing or fuselage section) and to tackle a preliminary analysis in terms of stress sizing (based on a given geometry), using commonly-used hypotheses and idealisations, including providing orders of magnitude for non-linear stability phenomena.
Can collaborate in a (multidisciplinary) team.
Can work in an industrial environment with attention to safety, quality assurance, communication and reporting.
Can develop, plan, execute and manage engineering projects at the level of a starting professional.
Can think critically about and evaluate projects, systems and processes, particularly when based on incomplete, contradictory and/or redundant information.
Having a creative, problem-solving, result-driven and evidence-based attitude, aiming at innovation and applicability in industry.
Having a critical attitude towards one's own results and those of others.
Having consciousness of ethical, social, environmental and economic context of his/her work and strives for sustainable solutions to engineering problems including safety and quality.
Having the flexibility and adaptability to work in an international and/or intercultural context.
Having an attitude of life-long learning as needed for the future development of his/her career.
Having in-depth knowledge and understanding of integrated structural design methods in the framework of a global design strategy.
Having in-depth knowledge and understanding of the advanced methods and theories to schematize and model complex problems or processes.
Having a broad scientific knowledge, understanding and skills to be able to design, produce and maintain complex mechanical, electrical and/or energy systems with a focus on products, systems and services. E.g. codepo project, courses around renewable, sustainable mobility, ...
Having an in-depth understanding of safety standards and ruls with respect to mechanical, electrical and energy systems.
Can reformulate complex engineering problems in order to solve them (simplifying assumptions, reducing complexity).
Can conceive, plan and execute a research project, based on an analysis of its objectives, existing knowledge and the relevant literature, with attention to innovation and valorization in industry and society.
Can correctly report on research or design results in the form of a technical report or in the form of a scientific paper.
Can present and defend results in a scientific sound way, using contemporary communication tools, for a national as well as for an international professional or lay audience.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 50% of the final mark.
PRAC Paper determines 50% of the final mark.
Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Paper category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Written examination, use of textbooks is permitted. The examination paper may be written in English, Dutch or French.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Electromechanical Engineering: Aeronautics and Aerospace (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Electromechanical Engineering: Aeronautics