Module descriptors

Structures 3

Module aims

This module covers two main topics: idealized thin-walled structures and plate theory. The structural principles developed in the first year are applied to thin-walled structures representative of parts of airframes. These structures deform under transverse loads and are prone to instability under compressive or shear loading and students will learn how to analyse the effect of such loads.

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing this module, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of methods for basic structural analysis for airframes through idealization of the structure.

2. Evaluate the shear stress and shear strain distribution in open and closed thin-walled sections.

3. Describe the modification of the stress distribution due to the presence of booms and to develop the beam/pure shear panel idealisation.

4. Extend the work done on a single cell tube to the case of a multi-cell tube loaded by transverse shear forces and calculate the influence of taper.

5. Describe the fundamentals of plate theory and evaluate deflections in thin plates under transverse loads using Navier’s method and Rayleigh-Ritz energy method.

6. Apply the Rayleigh-Ritz method to study the buckling of flat plates under a compressive load and to identify the shear buckling in plates and their interaction. 

7. Differentiate between local and global buckling in rectangular tubes.

Module syllabus

Teaching methods

The module will be delivered primarily through large-class lectures introducing the key concepts and methods, supported by a variety of delivery methods combining the traditional and the technological.  The content is presented via a combination of slides, whiteboard and visualizer.

Learning will be reinforced through tutorial question sheets and laboratory exercises, featuring analytical, computational and experimental tasks representative of those carried out by practising engineers. 

Assessments

This module presents opportunities both for formative and summative assessment.  

You will be formatively assessed through a number of progress tests and tutorial sessions. 

Additional opportunities are provided for you to self-assess your learning via tutorial problem sheets. 

Summative Assessment takes the form of a written closed-book exam at the end of the module as well as practical laboratory assessments and one written laboratory report.

Assessment type	Assessment description	Weighting	Pass mark
Examination	2-hour closed-book written examination in January	80%	40%
Practical	Laboratory assessment	20%	40%

You will receive feedback both during the laboratory sessions and following the coursework submission.

You will receive feedback on examinations in the form of an examination feedback report on the performance of the entire cohort.

You will receive feedback on your performance whilst undertaking tutorial exercises, during which you will also receive instruction on the correct solution to tutorial problems.

Further individual feedback will be available to you on request via this module’s online feedback forum, through staff office hours and discussions with tutors.

Reading list

Core

• Aircraft Structures for Engineering Students

  Megson, T. H. G.

  7th ed., Butterworth-Heinemann

• Aircraft structures for engineering students

  Megson, T. H. G.

  Seventh edition., Butterworth-Heinemann

• Theory of Elastic Stability [electronic resource].

  Timoshenko, Stephen P.

  2nd ed., Dover Publications

• Theory of elastic stability

  Timoshenko, Stephen

  2nd, McGraw Hill

• Theory of plates and shells

  Timoshenko, Stephen, 1878-1972

  McGraw-Hill

Supplementary

• Mechanics of composite materials

  Jones, Robert M. (Robert Millard), author.

  Second edition., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania : Taylor & Francis

• Theory and analysis of flight structures

  Rivello, Robert Matthew

  McGraw Hill

Module leaders

Professor Paul Robinson