Mechanical and Structural Factors in Aviation Safety

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Mechanical and Structural Factors in Aviation Safety (SFTY335)

Synopsis

Students will conduct a thorough examination of design, manufacturing, metallurgy and maintenance as to the influence each has on aircraft accidents. A detailed analysis of the “Failure Process” will be conducted. Additional topics include: stress and design loading, fatigue, corrosion, and the envelope of operation.

Level: 3
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every January
E-Learning: BLENDED - Learning is done MAINLY online using interactive study materials in Canvas. Students receive guidance and support from online instructors via discussion forums and emails. This is supplemented with SOME face-to-face sessions. If the course has an exam component, This will be administered on-campus.

Topics

Introduction / Design Specifications for Aircraft
Loads on an Aircraft / Aloha Airlines Flight 243
The Flight Envelope / Metallic Composition
Elementary Stress Analysis / The Challenger Accident
Stresses from Torsion and Bending Loads / Riveted Joints and Pressure Vessels
Strain and the Stress-Strain Diagram / Japan Airlines Flight 123
Compressive Failures / Aircraft Metals and Their Heat Treatment
Composite Materials / TWA Flight 800
Stress Concentrations / Fatigue of Aircraft Materials
Corrosion / American Airlines Flight 191
Nondestructive Inspection / Review for Final Exam

Learning Outcome

Analyze the mechanical and structural factors which produce accidents including design, construction, manufacturing, repair, and maintenance.
Differentiate between the commonly used structural materials in aircraft construction and be able to determine applicability to design criteria.
Analyze typical air loads on an airplane in order to calculate external design loads, limit loads, and ultimate limit loads.
Calculate the internal bending, tension, compression, torsion, shear and combined stresses and strains on various aircraft components, given their external loads.
Identify and compare different types of structural failure modes in order to determine how a structure might have failed.
Examine current maintenance procedures and practices, focusing on the problem areas in both commercial and general aviation, and how they contribute to structural or mechanical failures.
Identify and explain structural and mechanical design factors as they apply to airworthiness and crashworthiness.
Analyze an in-flight breakup in order to determine sequence of failure, as well as primary and secondary failures.
Describe advanced structural materials used in the construction of aircraft, such as composites, and be able to determine and analyze failure modes.