Syllabus for AE 4630
AIRCRAFT STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Fall 2009

Instructor: Asst. Prof. Peter Gustafson

Office:	G-215 Parkview Campus
Phone:	276-3423
Email:	peter.gustafson@wmich.edu
Web Page:	http://homepages.wmich.edu/∼pjm8969

Schedule:

Lecture:	TR 2:30–4:10, C-124 Parkview Campus
Office Hours:	MF 10:30–11:30, T 9:30–10:30, or by appointment

Description:

The course deals with the design and analysis of aeronautical structures. First, the flow of boundary dynamic and static loads through a typical structure is discussed. Then stresses and deformations of individual members and components are studied, culminating with monocoque and semi-monocoque load-carrying structures. Assumed and actual internal load distributions are explained and possible failure modes are presented. Various methods of analysis are studied thoroughly. However, the emphasis is not on techniques but on concepts and comprehension. Hence, careful attention is paid to the correct interpretation of results. One of the methods applied in this course is the Finite Element Method (FEM). There will be a computer assignment covering FEA (Finite Element Analysis).

Objectives

At the conclusion of the course, you should should be able to:

apply stiffness and strength concepts to light-weight load-bearing structures;
understand static and dynamic failure modes of structural components;
study and evaluate methods, assumptions and approximations of structural analysis;
evaluate mission requirements and their effects on the design for structural integrity of light-weight vehicles.

Topics:

Historical background.
Loads: Aerodynamic, thrust and inertial.
3-D elasticity. Stress and strain tensors.
Deformations; Stiffness and strength.
Local and global modes of failure.
Advanced beams: bending and extension ; torsion and shear.
Thin plates.
Work and energy principles: virtual work ; potential energy ; strain energy.
Approximate methods: Rayleigh-Ritz ; Galerkin ; FEM.

Prerequisites:

ME365: Machine Design I

Text:

Aircraft Structures for Engineering Students, Megson, T.H.G., Fourth Edition, Elsevier, 2007.

Reference materials:

Mechanics of Aircraft Structures, Sun, C.T. Wiley, 2006.
Fundamentals of Aircraft Structural Analysis, Curtis, H.D., Irwin, 1997.

Mid-term Exam: Oct 22nd In Class

Final Exam: Dec 16th 2:45-4:45

Grading:

Homework, Quizzes	25%
Mid Term Exam	20%
Final Exam	30%
FEA Project	25%

Grading scale:

A:	≥ 90%
BA:	≥ 85%
B:	≥ 80%
CB:	≥ 75%
C:	≥ 70%
DC:	≥ 65%
D:	≥ 60%

Homework will be distributed approximately weekly. Homework is strictly due at the beginning of class. Late homework will not be accepted. If you will be absent, you must return your homework prior to class by alternate method. All homework will be collected, however, not all problems will be graded.

Quizzes may be announced or un-announced. Each quiz will have equal value to one homework assignment. For the purpose of computing the homework portion of the grade, one homework assignment or quiz will be dropped.

Working Together: For homework assignments, students are encouraged to discuss solution methods with their colleagues. Written work must be done independently and must accurately represent the work of the student. All exams and quizzes are to be completed independently.

Attendance, illness, and absences: Attendance is important, however, the health and well-being of our community is more important. Do not come to class if you are ill or suspect illness. Contact the instructor to inform him of your circumstances and to coordinate assistance.

Recognizing its importance, attendance may be encouraged through the use of un-announced quizzes. There will be no make-up quizzes under any circumstances. The grading policy (one dropped homework/quiz) is designed to account for unexpected circumstances.

Re-grades: Re-grade requests must be submitted in writing within 1 week of the return of any item. The instructor reserves the right to re-grade the entire item.

Academic integrity: You are responsible for making yourself aware of and understanding the policies and procedures in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs that pertain to Academic Honesty. These policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity and computer misuse. [The policies can be found at http://catalog.wmich.edu under Academic Policies, Student Rights and Responsibilities.] If there is reason to believe you have been involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. You will be given the opportunity to review the charge(s). If you believe you are not responsible, you will have the opportunity for a hearing. You should consult with your instructor if you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an assignment or test.