An overview of content
This unit introduces students to fundamental concepts in the analysis of lightweight structures; the design envelope of the structure is here governed either by localised material failure (e.g. fracture, delamination, etc.) or buckling instability inherent in the slender nature of the structure. The analysis of composite failure encompasses high-fidelity modelling of localised failure, including local manufacturing details and defects. Moreover, this unit explores how structural instabilities can be harnessed for functionality to create well-behaved nonlinear structures, to offer increased load-carrying capacity or to enable morphing structures to adapt their shape. This unit introduces fundamental principles and analysis approaches required to model lightweight composite structures, including the usage of a commercial nonlinear finite element analysis package.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will be able to perform more advanced analysis and design of lightweight structures, supported by a fundamental understanding of underlying concepts and methods.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
discuss and apply fundamental concepts in the analysis of lightweight structures;
contrast capabilities and limitations of (semi-)analytical and numerical analysis methods, in order to critically evaluate and select appropriate modelling methods for the structural analysis of lightweight structures;
analyse and evaluate the structural performance and strength of lightweight composite structures using numerical analysis methods;
develop design concepts and applications for functional nonlinearities.
