This unit will explain why aircraft structures/components fail, how engineers can learn from such failure and design to prevent it. Both fundamental and applied aspects of failure of aircraft structural components will be covered. The unit will detail the damage tolerance design philosophy, and how it fits into airworthiness requirements as described in the relevant Standard (JSSG 2006). The unit focuses on how fracture mechanics principles and modern fatigue crack growth laws are used to meet JSSG2006. To illustrate the effect of cracking on service aircraft we will consider flaw growth in a range of aircraft undergoing both in-service flight loading and full scale fatigue tests. -- Course Website
Instructor: Professor Rhys Jones/Mr John Baker
Prerequisites: MAE3407
