Mechanical & Industrial Engrg 490A - Aerospace Structures

This course surveys topics and classical problems in structural mechanics that are relevant to aerospace, including applications in both air and space. Aerospace structures often have a shared requirement for lightness or a high strength-to-weight ratio, which produces interesting design challenges not seen in other fields, drives use of less common materials and necessitates a greater amount of modeling and testing to support slimmer margins of safety. This course focuses on three topics: lightweight trusses, load bearing shell structures and laminated composites. Students will be introduced to the mechanics of shell and plates, classical lamination theory as an approach to modeling composites and buckling of thin-walled cylinders. Students will also be introduced to methods for design and analysis of lightweight trusses and frames, including a hands-on final project in designing and prototyping a scaled-down lightweight truss or supported shell.

Pre Req: M&I-ENG 313 This course satisfies a technical elective for Mechanical Engineering majors.