Module Title:Aircraft Structures
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:7
Module Delivered In 2 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: This module will be taught by Lectures, Tutorials & Practical Tasks and by using Model & Actual Aircraft and Sample Questions.
Module Aim: The student will understand standard airframe components, structures and standard practices so they develop basic analytical, troubleshooting and practical skills essential to an aircraft technician.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Explain the general design concepts of an aircraft structure
LO2 Compare and contrast the various methods of aircraft construction
LO3 Identify and compare the various types of air/rotorcraft fuselage, wing and structural designs
LO4 Categorise primary, secondary and tertiary flight control construction methods
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
Airframe Structures - General Concepts
Airworthiness requirements for structural strength; Structural classification, primary, secondary and tertiary; Fail safe, safe life, damage tolerance concepts; Zonal and station identification systems; Stress, strain, bending, compression, shear, torsion, tension, hoop stress, fatigue; Drains and ventilation provisions; System installation provisions; Lightning strike protection provision. Aircraft bonding Construction methods of: stressed skin fuselage, formers, stringers, longerons, bulkheads, frames, doublers, struts, ties, beams, floor structures, reinforcement, methods of skinning, anti-corrosive protection, wing, empennage and engine attachments; Structure assembly techniques: riveting, bolting, bonding; Methods of surface protection, such as chromating, anodising, painting; Surface cleaning; Airframe symmetry: methods of alignment and symmetry checks
Airframe Structures - Aeroplanes
Fuselage (ATA 52/53/56): Construction and pressurisation sealing; Wing, stabiliser, pylon and undercarriage attachments; Seat installation and cargo loading system; Doors and emergency exits: construction, mechanisms, operation and safety devices; Windows and windscreen construction and mechanisms Wings (ATA 57) Construction; Fuel storage; Landing gear, pylon, control surface and high lift/drag attachments Stabilisers (ATA 55) Construction; Control surface attachment Flight Control Surfaces (ATA 55/57) Construction and attachment; Balancing - mass and aerodynamic Nacelles/Pylons (ATA 54) Nacelles/Pylons: - Construction; - Firewalls; - Engine mounts
Flight Controls (ATA 27)
Primary controls: aileron, elevator, rudder, spoiler; Trim control; Active load control; High lift devices; Lift dump, speed brakes; System operation: manual, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, Fly-by-wire; Artificial feel, Yaw damper, Mach trim, rudder limiter, gust locks systems; Balancing and rigging; Stall protection/warning system
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment30.00%
Project40.00%
Practical30.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Written Report Each student will accurately record and collate evidence of their practical tasks/activities into a Training Logbook, during term time for which a maximum of 30% will be awarded 1,2,3,4 30.00 n/a
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Each student will record and collate a range of their own personal experiences into a Journal/Reflective Learning Portfolio, during term time for which a maximum of 40% will be awarded 1,2,3,4 40.00 n/a
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Each student will successfully complete a range of Practical Labs/Engineering Tasks on aircraft/engines during term time for which a maximum of 30% will be awarded 1,2,3,4 30.00 n/a
No End of Module Formal Examination

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00
Practicals 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00
Independent Learning 15 Weeks per Stage 4.33
Total Hours 125.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_EEAER_B Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Aerospace Engineering 6 Elective
CW_EEACS_D Bachelor of Engineering in Aircraft Systems 6 Mandatory