Module Descriptors

As aircraft weight saving opportunites become ever marginalised the design and analysis of an aircraft structure increases in complexity. This compounded by detailed design certification regulations, complex loading regimes, material development, manufacturing advances and challenging operating environments leads to significant challenges for the current aircraft structures engineer. The intent of this module is to develop, from earlier module content, the students' understanding of the regulations, loading, materials and therefore develop analysis techniques including Finite Element Analysis and MATLAB (or equivalent) of the significant aircraft structural components and industry stress anlaysis scenarios commonly faced. Detailed discussion on the effect the final structural design has on weight, balance, aerodynamics, manufacture, cost,  repair in-service, test requirements, service life, decommissioning will be inherent in taught materials and assessment.  

Develop critical understanding of aircraft certification specifications in relation to loading, materials and required analysis. Undertake analysis of significant aircraft structural components using analytical, FEA and MATLAB (or equivalent) approaches.

Undertake detailed stress analysis using analytical, FEA and MATLAB (or equivalent) approaches for common industry scenarios, such as cutouts, joints, fasteners, repairs and lugs. 

Evaluate the effect the structural design has other functions.

Assessment will be by formal two hour examination and structural analysis design study. 

During the course of this module students will develop their UWS Graduate Attributes (https://www.uws.ac.uk/current-students/your-graduate-attributes/) in the following areas-

• Universal: Academic - Critical thinking, analytical & inquiring mind; Personal- Ethical; Professional- Research Minded


• Work-Ready: Academic - Knowledgeable, Digitally Literate, Problem Solver; Personal - Effective Communicator; Professional - Ambitious


• Successful : Academic - Autonomous; Personal - Resilient; Professional- Driven


• This module has been reviewed and updated, taking cognisance of the University’s Curriculum Framework principles. Examples of this are found within the module such as active and engaging module assessment which reflects industry design activities, learning synergies across modules and levels of study, recorded lecture content supporting students to organise their own study time and the use of real-world practical student generated data with to compare with and validate simulation activity developing digital intelligence meta-skills.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Critically analyse aircraft certification specifications in relation to loading, materials and required analysis.

L2. Undertake structural analysis of significant aircraft structural components using analytical, FEA and MATLAB (or equivalent) approaches.

L3. Undertake detailed stress analysis using analytical, FEA and MATLAB (or equivalent) approaches for common industry scenarios, cutouts, joints, fasteners, repairs and lugs.

L4. Evaluate the effect the designs produced have on weight, balance, aerodynamics, manufacture, cost, repair in-service, test requirements, service life, decommissioning.

A critical knowledge and understanding of advanced mechanics of materials and concepts, and how these relate to aircraft engineering analysis.
Specific and detailed knowledge and understanding of the application, techniques and practices associated with structural analysis of aircraft engineering design problems.
Detailed knowledge of appropriateness of methods and techniques to different problems/scenarios

Applying knowledge and understanding to develop modelling and analysis strategies for a wide range of aircraft engineering and design problems, using finite element method techniques.

Assessing different strategies with respect to obtaining appropriate efficient solutions to engineering and design problems.

Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.

Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems.

Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards.

Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems.

Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts.

Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations.

Undertaking, evaluating and assessing critical FEA/MATLAB (or equivalent) analysis data. Making judgements on analytical data and results. Being able to develop conceptual solutions and strategies to FE/MATLAB (or equivalent) problems.

Dealing with unpredictability in results and making critical comparative assessments between theoretical, simulation, and experimental predictions.

Bringing information together from a variety of sources during problem solving and being able to perceive potential problems with methods and strategies.

Ability to perform, interpret and evaluate complex numerical, geometrical and graphical data and using it to solve problems.

Ability to use variables and equations. Ability to integrate existing software with other applications such as spreadsheets/MATLAB (or equivalent). Make use of multi-purpose integrated software systems to solve complex problems.

Using communications skills to write detailed, critical technical reports, including text and illustration.

Using finite element hardware and software and associated ICT equipment and systems such as networks to support and perform a wide range of problem solving tasks.

Identifying and addressing their own learning needs both during and out with class time.

Identifying solution routes and strategies using their own initiative and informed judgements.

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

1.09

1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
   This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.