AAE 4250: Aerospace Structures Computer-Aided Design

3 Credit Hours

Prerequisite: ENGR 3801 and ENGR 3804
Fundamental concepts and procedures of the Finite Element Method (FEM) for calculations of stress, strain, and deformation in structures and materials. Various finite element formulations and applications to one-, two- and three-dimensional problems in solid mechanics are central to the course. The engineering practice of finite element analysis, such as geometric modeling, mesh design, material constitutive behavior, as well as Verification and Validation (V&V) is introduced. This course also describes the role of a commercial finite element package in aerospace structural analysis and design. Students are expected to carry out projects with the software package independently by developing life-long learning skills.

Course Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

Appraise fundamental concepts of solid mechanics for finite element formulations.
Formulate governing equations for basic finite elements, including bars, beams, frames, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional solid elements.
Calculate benchmark problems by following the general steps of the FEM.
Construct mesh discretization of an aerospace structure for finite element analysis.
Compute using simulation software for finite element analysis of aerospace engineering.
Experiment Verification and Validation (V&V) of finite element simulations.