This unit will introduce the student to aircraft structural analysis. Concepts of load paths, equilibrium, forces/moments, stresses/strains, reaction forces and bending moments will be presented. Basic trusses and beam analysis will be used to analyse simple airframes. Students will trace the historical development of the airframe from truss-like structures to modern semi-monocoque construction and the importance of appropriate material selection. The concept of static structural equilibrium will be extended to consider 'dynamic equilibrium' through the introduction of mechanical vibrations. The last two weeks will introduce basic concepts of orbital mechanics/spaceflight followed by an... -- Course Website
Instructor: Professor Brian Falzon
Prerequisites: None
