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 2025 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs MAE2401 or MEC2403 and unlocks 2 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 60%
- and 2 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before MAE3411
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After MAE3411
2 units list MAE3411 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
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 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- In-semester test(s)Quiz / TestThreshold hurdle20%
- Project submissionProjectThreshold hurdle20%
- Final assessmentExaminationThreshold hurdle60%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
describe the relevance of strength and stiffness aspects of aircraft structures and components, including stressed skin construction
- 2
select appropriate modelling tools and analytical methodologies to analyse structural aerospace problems
- 3
apply principles of fracture mechanics to ensure the safety of aircraft structural components
- 4
analyse crack growth in aircraft structural members
- 5
apply modern fatigue crack growth theories to ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft structural components
- 6
formulate solutions to problems associated with the residual strength of cracked aircraft structural members.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops24 hours
- Practical activities24 hours
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachCase-based teaching
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 2 areas of study in the 2025 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Matthieu Gresil
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Matthieu Gresil
Common questions
What can I take after MAE3411?
MAE3411 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including MAE4426 and MTE4590.
When is MAE3411 offered?
In 2025, 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?
Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include MAE3411?
MAE3411 is part of Aerospace engineering and Mechanical engineering.