Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE AET2123

 
TITLE Aircraft Structures and Design

 
UM LEVEL 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 5

 
DEPARTMENT Institute of Aerospace Technologies

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit focuses on the design and construction of the fixed wing large transport aeroplane.

It introduces principles in conceptual aircraft design of large transport category aircraft, focusing on sizing, configuration and layout to meet requirements such as those relating to the market, customer, operational needs, safety and certification.

The study-unit also addresses the evolution of aircraft structures and design from a historical aspect leading to current practice. The merits of the traditional wing-and-tube configuration compared to new emerging alternatives are described.

The study-unit also describes the various aerospace materials used such as aluminium alloys, steels, titanium and composites, focussing on properties, construction and airworthiness aspects. Structure design, including traditional and modern techniques as well as joining methods are described.

Study-Unit Aims:

- To provide a historical overview of the evolution of aircraft structures and design of large transport aircraft.
- To introduce conceptual aircraft design based on operational, market, safety and certification requirements.
- To explain design considerations for aircraft sizing, configuration and layout to satisfy market, customer, operational, safety and certification criteria.
- To compare the merits of classical and emerging configurations.
- To explain the use of various materials in aircraft structures.
- To describe traditional and modern construction techniques of aerostructures such as wings and fuselages.
- To describe the various joining processes and techniques.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Describe the evolution of the aerostructure of large transport category aircraft.
- Explain the merits of various design considerations such as sizing, configuration and layout.
- Describe the impact certification, airworthiness, safety and operational requirements on aircraft design and structure.
- Compare the merits of classical and emerging configurations.
- Describe the role of various materials in aircraft structures.
- Describe various construction techniques of aircraft structures.
- Describe various joining processes and techniques used on aircraft structures.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Apply the understanding of the limitations of engineering structures as applied to aircraft design.
- Apply the knowledge and understanding of the effects of the basic aircraft design and layout to flying skills.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

- Cutler, J. Understanding Aircraft Structures, 4th ed, Blackwell Publishing, 2005.
- Fielding, J. Introduction to Aircraft Design, Cambridge University Press, 2010.
- Jenkinson, L.R., Simpkin, P., Rhodes, D., Civil Jet Aircraft Design, 1999, Arnold; Hodder Headline Group, London.

Supplementary Readings:

- EASA CS-25 - Certification Specifications For Large Aeroplanes. European Aviation Safety Agency.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture, Independent Study & Tutorial

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment SP Yes 30%
Examination (2 Hours) SP Yes 70%

 
LECTURER/S

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit