Module Code - Title:
ME4134
-
AIRCRAFT DESIGN
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To introduce the student to the important considerations involved in the design of an aircraft, with particular emphasis on the aerodynamic load calculation and airframe structural design. Of critical importance will be the design philosophies associated with safe structures.
Syllabus:
Review of low speed aerofoil and finite wing aerodynamics, aerofoil stall characteristics, approximate methods for obtaining wing lift distributions, wing stall characteristics. Calculation of wing shear force, bending moment and torsional load distributions.
Structural design and analysis philosophies, material design allowables, reserve factors, construction principles, fail-safe, safe-life philosophies.
Design of structural components for ultimate failure and fatigue life estimation, including cumulative fatigue. Fasteners and structural joints.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
1. Analyse the aircraft design loads and produce shear force, bending moment and torsional load distributions.
2. Understand the structural design and analysis philosophies used in the industry, including reserve factors, fail-safe and safe-life philosophies.
3. Understand the design aspects of the airworthiness regulations (FAR, EASA) and the certification process.
4. Design basic aircraft structural components for ultimate failure and fatigue life estimation.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
1. The ability to reflect on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgements within the realm of aircraft design.
2. The knowledge and understanding of the importance of the engineer's role in society and the need for the highest ethical standards of practice.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Lectures and tutorials will be used for the students to acquire the
learning outcomes. Leading edge aerospace research will be embedded in the syllabus, particularly in relation to new inspection and material
processing developments, to enhance the student experience.
The module is aligned to the following UL graduate attributes:
Knowledgeable: Students will apply their aerodynamics, materials and mechanics of solids knowledge to structural analysis components and aerofoil design.
Responsible: Have a thorough understanding of the importance of the engineer's role in society and the need for the highest ethical standards of practice to realise a safe component/structure/aircraft.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Niu, M. C.Y. (1998)
Airframe Structural Design
, Conmilit Press
Brandt, Steven (2015)
Introduction to Aeronautics: A design Perspective, 3rd Edition
, American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics
Jenkinson, Lloyd R. and Marchman III, James F. (2003)
Aircraft Design Projects
For engineering students
, Butterworth Heinemann
Howe, Denis. (2004)
Aircraft Loading and Structural Layout
, American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BEAEENUFA - AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
MEAEENTFA - AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
andrew.niven@ul.ie