Aerospace Engineering: Structures and Materials

This module introduces the basic concepts of material properties and the phenomena of stress and strain in aircraft or spacecraft at different temperatures and in various environments. Students will learn about the fundamental principles that govern material behavior in aerospace applications.

This module covers the properties and manufacturing methods of typical aerospace materials such as metals, ceramics, and composites. Students will engage in hands-on activities to create their own materials and develop their first design proposal.

This module explores the essential structural elements of aircraft and spacecraft. Students will analyze the skeleton of their favorite aircraft or spacecraft to identify the reasons behind specific structural element choices made by designers.

This module examines the loads acting on different aircraft parts, the paths these loads travel through a structure, and how this affects design choices for wings and fuselages. It covers the consequences of pressurized fuselages and wing spar bending on design decisions.

This module focuses on the structural performance of aircraft and how to select appropriate structural and material solutions for design problems based on stiffness and strength. It introduces concepts of specific strength and specific modulus, and covers basic steps for dimensioning a spacecraft.

This module covers the design process, focusing on how potential failures are eliminated during design. It explores certification processes, fatigue, and damage tolerance, which are critical for monitoring and improving the durability of aircraft and spacecraft.

This module examines how aircraft and spacecraft are assembled, including the joining methods used and the reasons behind their selection. Students will apply their knowledge to choose a joining method for an aircraft based on a presented dilemma.

This final module encourages students to reflect on their initial expectations and progress throughout the course. It includes a review of key concepts and solicits feedback from students on course content and areas for improvement.