Mechanics of Aeronautical Solids, Materials and Structures

Abstract

This course, on the mechanics of solids and materials, as well as aeronautical structures, aims to give an overview of the necessary notions for structure sizing within the aeronautics field. It begins by establishing all of the classic notions of mechanics: stress, strain, behaviour law and sizing criteria. Also covered are notions that are particular to aeronautics, with a particular emphasis on the notion of limit loads and ultimate loads. Different problem-solving methods, particularly the finite element method, are then introduced. The methods are not classically presented and instead, energy minimization is drawn on in order to minimize the number of equations, all while remaining within a framework that one may comprehend ‘with their hands’. The book then addresses the subject of plasticity, showcasing its influence on structure sizing, and especially the advantages it has for sizing criteria. Finally, the physics of the 2 main materials in aeronautics, namely aluminum and composite materials, are discussed, so as to shed light on the sizing criteria outlined within the previous chapters. The corrected exercises help the student to test their comprehension of the different topics. What is so original about this book is that from the outset, it places itself within the field of Aeronautics. Sizing criteria are indeed rather particular in this field. Nevertheless, the notions discussed remain valid for the majority of industrial fields: Mechanical Engineering and Finite Elements do in fact remain the same. Another original facet of this work is that it consolidates basic continuum mechanics with a very succinct description of finite elements, and a description of the material aspect of the main materials used in aeronautical structures, being aluminum and composites. This publication is therefore a summary of the basic knowledge deemed necessary for the (“Airbus”) engineer working within research departments. The book is simultaneously aimed at both students who are beginning their training and also engineers already working in the field who desire a summary of the basic theories. Lastly, the publication aims to limit the amount of formulas provided as much as possible, in order to highlight the significance of the physical. Any readers who may be interested in demonstrations are advised to refer to more specific and theoretical works, such as [COI 01], [DUV 98], [GER 73], [HEA 77], [KHA 95], [LEM96], [MIR 03], [SAL 02], [THU 97], [UGU 03], etc.