User:Eas4200c.f08.aero.lee/HW1

= EAS4200C: An Introduction =

The University of Florida course EAS4200C Aerospace Structures will emphasize an understanding of mechanics, the ability to properly formulate problems, the ability to judge correctness of a solution and the avoidance of old ad hoc methods of structural analysis. The Finite Element Method (FEM) will be employed in order to solve the Partial Differential Equations that govern aerospace structure mechanics. FEM is also widely used to solve other challenges in engineering and applied math. A specific example is the use of FEM to aid in the exploration of oil reservoirs.

Course Information
Throughout the semester there will be many resources implemented that will encourage learning through lecture notes, assigned readings, cooperative learning assignments as well as in class exams.

Exam Guidelines
= Aerospace Structures : Chapter One =

Materials
The primary criteria that distinguish aerospace structures are high stiffness, high strength and light weight. The emphasis on light weight is of very high importance to enable aircraft to perform more efficiently in the atmospheric environment where gravity is an issue. Reducing weight allows aircraft to fly higher, faster and with greater endurance. Often, many different materials will be utilized in different areas of the structure depending on the expected loading and functional condition of that element.

! Stiffness

If the geometry of two materials are the same, stiffness can simply be compared on the basis of the Young's Modulus, E, of the material. Young's Modulus provides a relationship between the stress, σ, and the resulting strain of the material, ε. The Young's Modulus is also the slope of a stress-strain graph, and is numerically calculated as follows:
 * $${E}=\frac {\sigma} {\epsilon}$$

A typical stress-strain curve for an elastic material is shown below.  In metals, phenomenon known as hardening and softening occur before the material will fracture. A more detailed stress-strain curve, typical of metals, is shown below. 

! Material Examples

Geometry
Of equal consideration to material selection is the geometry of the structure in question. To take full advantage of the material properties, the geometry of each member must be designed to maximize its capability. Typically this means reducing the amount of material in each member to until structural limits are encountered to minimize weight while maintaining an effective margin of safety.

! Space Frame Geometry

= Problem 1.1: Getting Started =

= Contributing Members = The following Team Aero members contributed to this report.

Jared Lee --Eas4200c.f08.aero.lee 19:57, 16 September 2008 (UTC)

Ray Strods --Eas4200c.f08.aero.strods 00:53, 17 September 2008 (UTC)

Oliver Oyama --Eas4200c.fo8.aero.oyama 02:47, 17 September 2008 (UTC)

Gonzalo Barcia --Eas4200c.f08.aero.barcia 06:47, 18 September 2008 (UTC)

William Kurth --Eas4200c.f08.aero.kurth 07:15, 19 September 2008 (UTC)