This is a level 6 module that extends and deepens your ability to apply the analytical techniques used to design aerospace structures. These analytical techniques are used to enhance your understanding of the functions of typical aerospace structural components. You will study the multifaceted discipline of materials technology applicable to typical aerospace structures based on fracture and fatigue analysis and the finite element method. It also provides you with an understanding of aircraft dynamic stability, performance, and structural dynamics characteristics. This is achieved not only through analysis but also through a live flight test. The wide ranging set of topics considered in the module gives you ample opportunity to see how the various disciplines interact in the aerospace design process.
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of: formal lectures, problem-solving, flipped classes, tutorials, flying and FEA laboratory exercises, and independent study. The module covers a wide range of distinct topics and these will normally be introduced through formal lectures. Tutorials will be used to give students the opportunity to gain familiarity with the tools and techniques presented in the lectures. This will be further developed through independent study. Assignments will be used to develop confidence in the use of the tools and techniques and tutorials will be used to further support this development
The teaching team incorporates active learning in lectures that involve problem-solving, flipped tutorial classes and quizzes. Lecture notes, complementary videos, problem sets will be made available on the VLE platform. Computing tutorials will be provided to allow students to practice and apply the FEA software in problem solving.
Staff also use gapped lecture booklets with blank spaces and problem sets as alternatives to the PowerPoint slides to improve attendance and to encourage note-taking during lectures. The flipped class approach is frequently used in tutorials that involve students working on problem sets in small groups. This will involve some form of peer learning to ensure they take ownership of their own learning. They are encouraged to learn from each other and work collaboratively. Teaching staff will act as a facilitator guiding the students throughout the sessions. Selected members of the groups will have to present and discuss their solutions in front of the classes.
The flying laboratory is a key and unique element of this module. It incorporates Learning-By-Doing that give students the real-world, hands-on experience to perform laboratory testing on board a twin-engine turboprop aircraft. They can feel and see the dynamic stability modes of the aircraft. The sensory feedback helps students to understand the complex theory relating to aircraft performance, stability and control. The instructors will give students pre-flight and post flight debriefing sessions to reinforce the concepts they learn during the flight tests.
Another key element of the guided learning hours is solving the structured problem sets. The structured problem sets including answers will be available from the beginning of the module. Students will be issued with an indicative set of dates by which each set should be completed. This is similar to the approach used for level 4 and level 5 modules, but level 6 students are expected to have acquired the ability to monitor their own progress and seek help as required from their peers, recommended reading and the teaching team
Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
Scheduled learning and teaching | 22 two-hour interactive lectures 12 hours of labs 20 x 2 hours of tutorials | 96 |
Guided independent study | 44 hours pre-reading and reviews of lectures 40 hours solving the problem sets 50 hours practicing the MATLAB and FEA software. 45 hours writing up lab reports 25 hours exam revision | 204 |
Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 |
The module is assessed by a combination of examination, coursework and a portfolio of laboratory lab reports. The coursework consists of a substantial report on the FEA software analysis (20%) of an aerospace structure, and a portfolio of three reports for crash analysis case study (10%), MATLAB software modelling (10%) and the flying laboratory (10%). Formative assessment and feedback will be provided by face-to-face interactions with the teaching team during the problem-solving sessions, flipped classes, computing tutorials and laboratories.
Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
---|---|
1) Analyse failure of materials using fracture mechanics. | Coursework and final exam. |
2) Predict materials behaviour under fatigue loading. | Failure analysis report and final exam. |
3) Analyse aerospace structures using finite element methods. | FEA coursework |
4) Solve matrix equations for natural characteristics and forced response of structures. Apply modal testing and MATLAB to solve eigenvalues problems. | MATLAB report and final exam. |
5) Determine the aircraft performance in steady and accelerated flights. | Final exam |
6) Determine the aircraft longitudinal and lateral dynamic stability modes of motion. | Flight test lab |
Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Final exam | Written exam | 50% |
FEA lab report | Coursework | 20% |
Portfolio of (1) crash analysis report (10%), (2) MATLAB report(10%), (3) flight test report(10%). | Coursework | 30% |
Total (to equal 100%) | 100% |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
There is no core text for this module.
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