AE464 Finite Element Applications in Aerospace Structures (3-0) 3

Course Description:
Finite element method. Element characteristic matrix. Element assembly and solution for unknowns. Structure stiffness equations. Element stiffness equations. Assembly of elements. Node numbering boundary conditions. Stress computation. Principle of stationary potential energy. Rayleigh Ritz method. Finite element form of the Rayleigh Ritz method. Shape functions. Introduction to CAD/CAE FEM packages. FEM applications in CAD/CAE. Common element types used in aerospace structures. Finite element modeling techniques used in aerospace structures.

Prerequisite(s):
AE224 'Mechanics of Materials' or consent of the department.

Textbook(s) and/or Other Required Material:
Textbook:
'Concepts and Applications of Finite Element Analysis,' Robert D. Cook, David S. Malkus, Michael E. Plesha
John Wiley and Sons, 3rd ed., 1989
ISBN: 0-471-84788-7

Reference Books:
'Finite Element Modeling for Stress Analysis,' Robert D. Cook
John Wiley and Sons, 1995
ISBN: 0-471-10774-3
'Structural Dynamics; An Introduction to Computer Methods,' Roy R. Craig, Jr.
John Wiley and Sons, 1981
ISBN: 0-471-04499-7
'An Introduction to the Finite Element Method,' J.N. Reddy
McGraw-Hill Internatonal Editions, 2nd ed., 1993
ISBN:0-07-051355-4
I-DEAS Master Series, Simulation Users Manual, Volume 1 and Volume 2 13th ed., 1996

Course Objectives:
This course intends to give senior year Aerospace Engineering students application of finite element analysis in aerospace structures. Its main objective is to introduce the students to finite element modeling, and use it as a design tool in designing aerospace structural components such as wing, tail, fuselage. Specific application examples will be given in relation to finite element modeling of aerospace structures, and the students will be required to work on case studies involving finite element programming and modeling using a computer programming language and one of the finite element packages available on campus such as I-DEAS. A correspondence will be made with the theory given and the common element types of finite element packages in relation to their applicability in proper modeling of aerospace structural components.

Syllabus:
1. INTRODUCTION (6hrs)
Finite Element Method
Element Characteristic Matrix
Element Assembly and solutions for unknowns
Strain displacement relations
Theory of stress and deformation

2.STIFFNESS METHOD (11 hrs)
Introduction
Structure of Stiffness Equations
Properties of [K]
Element stiffness equations
Assembly of elements
Node numbering
Automatic assignment of node numbers
Displacement boundary conditions
Gauss elimination solution of equations
Stress computation. Support reactions.
Summary of procedure

3.RAYLEIGH-RITZ METHOD AND INTERPOLATION (11 hrs)
Introduction
Principle of stationary potential energy
Problems having many DOF
Potential energy of an elastic body
Rayleigh-Ritz Method
Stationary principles and governing equations
Piecewise polynomial field
Finite element form of the Rayleigh-Ritz method
Interpolation
Shape functions C0 and C1 elements

4.FINITE ELEMENT PROGRAMS AND THEIR APPLICATION IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING (14 hrs)
Introduction to I-DEAS FEM packages
FEM applications in I-DEAS
Finite element modeling techniques of main aerospace structural members
-Spars
-Stringers
-Ribs
-Skin
-Reinforcements
Finite element modeling techniques of external store/suspensions equipment connections
Finite element modeling techniques of space truss members and space truss panels

Homework, Quizzes and Projects:
Assigned problems from the book and distributed handouts

Computer Usage: I-DEAS Solid Modelling and Simulation Modules to be used in demonstrations and term project
Laboratory Work: I-DEAS Simulation examples will be shown on workstations

Contribution of Course to Meeting the Professional Component:
Mathematics and Basic Sciences: None
Engineering Design: None
Engineering Sciences: None
Humanities and Social Sciences: None
Departmental Content: 3 creditsz

Relationship of Course to Program Objectives:
The course intends to satisfy all the objectives of the Department of Aerospace Engineering.

Prepared By:
Yavuz Yaman
Altan Kayran
01-22-2002