The module will be delivered with a blend of lectures, tutorials and problem based learning activities. The laboratory sessions will involve flight simulation and 'learn as you fly'.
The design component of the syllabus will be delivered through design exercises and/or a project. The student will work as an individual or in a team to complete the design or modification of a light aircraft using industry standard tools for design development and evaluation of the final design. The final design may then be exported to and flown in a flight simulator package such as X-Plane.
Module Aim:
To provide students with the skills and techniques required to understand the basic concepts used in the conceptual design of an aircraft using industry standard tools.
To provide students with a foundation for subsequent modules in the area of aircraft design.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1
Describe the basic theory of stress, strain and elasticity and how it relates to the loading of an aircraft.
LO2
Solve problems in mechanics.
LO3
Demonstrate an ability to fly a light aircraft in a flight simulator, from preflight to landing.
LO4
Identify a conceptual design solution path given airplane performance specifications.
LO5
Evaluate the effect of a high/low wing loading and power loading on the aircraft performance.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
Mechanics - Statics
Elements of theory of stress, strain and elasticity: tension, compression, shear and torsion; Direct stress and direct strain, Modulus of elasticity, Application to compound sections. Poisson’s ratio, area and volumetric strain; three dimensional stress systems.
Aircraft Conceptual Design
• Parameter recordings in a flight simulator to include: Forces in flight, controls and stability, aspect ratio, wing loading and power loading.
• Performance design specifications – Weight – Wing Loading calculations and validation – Wing area/span – Power requirements – Power Loading – Range – Performance trade-offs – Design optimization.
• Computer aided 3D design model manipulation – Performance analysis in a flight simulation package.
Assessment Breakdown
%
Continuous Assessment
20.00%
Practical
40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination
40.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Examination
in class test
1,5
10.00
Week 6
Examination
In class test
1,2
10.00
Week 9
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation
The student will undertake the design or modification of an aircraft, which may include a project plan, a literature, design development using industry standard tools, presentation of results and a formal report.
3,4,5
40.00
n/a
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Formal Exam
The student will complete a terminal exam covering the topics of mechanics and aircraft loading
1,2,5
40.00
End-of-Semester
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment