UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

MAE3411 Aerospace structural mechanics

Faculty of Engineering

MAE3411 Aerospace structural mechanics is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2023 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs MEC2403 or MAE2401 and unlocks 2 units.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2023
Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
No exam
4 tasks
Workload
144 hours
per semester

This is the 2023 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Overview

This unit aims to develop an understanding of the analytical methodologies used in strength and stiffness assessment of aircraft structures. The unit will develop an understanding of the translation of aerodynamics and ground loading on aircraft wings and fuselage to the overall airframe. An understanding of the concept of structural idealisation and constraint will be developed along with real-world limitations. The principles of stressed skin construction will be considered in detail. Fracture mechanics and the role crack growth plays in limiting the airworthiness of aircraft will be considered. The unit will provide you with the tools necessary to design and maintain aerospace structures.

Offerings in 2023

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • AssignmentThreshold hurdle
    10%
  • LaboratoryThreshold hurdle
    20%
  • QuizzesThreshold hurdle
    10%
  • Final assessmentThreshold hurdle
    60%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    describe the relevance of strength and stiffness aspects of aircraft structures and components, including stressed skin construction

  2. 2

    select appropriate modelling tools and analytical methodologies to analyse structural aerospace problems

  3. 3

    apply principles of fracture mechanics to ensure the safety of aircraft structural components

  4. 4

    analyse crack growth in aircraft structural members

  5. 5

    apply modern fatigue crack growth theories to ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft structural components

  6. 6

    formulate solutions to problems associated with the residual strength of cracked aircraft structural members.

Workload and teaching

  • Workshops24 hours
  • Practical activities12 hours
  • Laboratories9 hours
  • Teaching approachProblem-based learning
  • Teaching approachCase-based teaching
  • Teaching approachActive learning

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Learning resources

Required resources

  • Lecture handouts and videos
  • Practice sessions and reading list

Where it fits

MAE3411 is part of 1 area of study in the 2023 handbook.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Dr Matthieu Gresil
Chief Examiners
Dr Matthieu Gresil

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for MAE3411?

You need MEC2403 or MAE2401 before you enrol.

What can I take after MAE3411?

MAE3411 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including MAE4426 and MTE4590.

When is MAE3411 offered?

In 2023, MAE3411 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.

How much work is MAE3411?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does MAE3411 have an exam?

No. MAE3411 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.

Which majors and minors include MAE3411?

MAE3411 is part of Aerospace engineering.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering
Organisational unit
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Not available
Handbook years
2021202220232024202520262027