MODULE SPECIFICATION FORM
Module Title:
Aircraft Structural Technology
Module code:
ENGF514
Level
:
Semester(s) in
which to be offered:
Existing/New
:
1 and
2
5
Credit
Value:
With effect
from:
20
Sept
2010
Title of module
being replaced (if
any):
Originating
Subject:
Engineering
Module duration :
45 hrs contact
155 hr private study
Module
Leader:
Status:
core/option/elective
(identify programme
where appropriate):
Percentage taught by Subjects other
than originating Subject (please name
other Subjects):
Programme(s) in which to
be offered:
Foundation Degree Aeronautical
Engineering (Manufacture)
Olivier Durieux
Pre-requisites per
programme (between
levels):
Core
0%
Co-requisites per
programme (within a
level):
Module Aims:
The aim of the module is to develop the analytical skills and techniques necessary to
ensure aircraft are manufactured and maintained in such a manner that the integrity
and continuing airworthiness of the structure are assured
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module the learner should be able to:
1) Investigate failure mechanisms in aircraft structures
2) Design and analyse bonded structures for both metal and composite structures
3) Devise and manage schedules for design and inspection of aircraft structures
Transferable/Key Skills and other attributes:
The emphasis is on the application and evaluation, of theories and practices involved
with aircraft structures and components with some application of analytical skills.
Assessment: please indicate the type(s) of assessment (e.g. examination, oral,
coursework, project) and the weighting of each (%).
The assessment 100% in course
Assessment
number
Type of assessment
Outcome
Weighting
Duration
(if in course
test)
(use as appropriate)
Assessment
One:
Design,
manufacture & test
a typical aircraft
structure then
analyse the failure
Assessment
Two:
In Class Test on a
series of short
answer questions
from the syllabus
Word
count
(if
coursework)
2
50%
n/a
1500
1/2/3
50%
90
minutes
N/A
Learning and Teaching Strategies:
The module theory will be delivered by a series of lectures underpinned with
video/DVD support and complemented with demonstrations and laboratory practical
work.
The learning element will be evaluated by carrying out the assessment laid out above
which will ensure the learner has achieved all the stipulated outcomes.
Syllabus outline:
1 Failure mechanisms
Fracture strength- fracture mechanics, critical crack growth in metallic and
composites
Fatigue and creep in Composite materials and metallics – the nature of fatigue, SN curves, creep
Design methods applied to metallic and composites – safe life, fail
safe, design philosophy
Crack growth – stress intensity, environmental effects
Fracture mechanisms – slip, deformation, dislocation
2 Bonded repairs
Micromechanics and properties – mechanical properties, use in aircraft
Adhesion and surface treatment – adhesives, adhesion, testing, preparation
Metal bonded repairs – sheet thickness, overlap, damage, flaws
Composite bonded repairs – concepts and methods, types of repair
3 Maintenance programmes
Damage assessment – testing, NDT, corrosion applied to both the metallic and
composite
Policy and procedures – prevention, design, treatments, documentation
Integrity of aircraft structures - inspection,
Bibliography
Recommended Reading:
Cutler, J., (2006).Understanding Aircraft Structures. (4th edition). Blackwell
Wilkison, R., (2001).Aircraft Structures & Systems. (2nd edition). Mechaero Publishing
Megson, T H G., (2007).Aircraft Structures For Engineering Students. (4th
edition). Butterworth-Heinemann.
Decolon, C., (2004).Analysis of Composite Structures, Kogan Page
Science