Course coordinator
Professor Mingxing Zhang
Please email to make an appointment.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mech & Mine Engineering School
This course examines aerospace structural design, with an emphasis on metallic structures. The course covers: 1) certification (i.e. what is required to demonstrate that a structural component is safe and compliant with applicable regulations); 2) stress analysis techniques used to design and certify the thin walled structures which comprise most of the aircraft structure; 3) characteristics and manufacturing processes for high strength aerospace metallic materials; 4) structural optimisation in a practical context (i.e. how to design a component, in terms of materials and sizing, to have minimum weight, the required strength, and be suitable for manufacture).
This course addresses the design of metallic aircraft components, and consists of two topic areas:
- Topic 1 examines the thin-walled structures which make up most of the structure of modern aircraft. Students learn how to apply the most useful classical analytical techniques to the design and certification of these components.
- Topic 2 examines the high performance isotropic metallic materials used in modern aircraft, and common manufacturing technologies used to make aircraft components.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Solid mechanics to second level competency.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MECH2300
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
AERO3110
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Tristan Vanyai
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
1. For students to develop the ability to correctly apply a range of useful classical thin walled structures analysis techniquesﾠto enable them to design and certify the structural assemblies typical of metallic aircraft.
2. To expose students to the open-ended nature of aircraft structural design, and provide them with practical experience in making design choices in the unconstrained and imperfect decision space of real aircraft design.
3. For students to develop knowledge and understanding of the strengthening mechanisms, performance, microstructural constituents and manufacturing of aerospace metallic materials.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply aerospace structural analysis techniques - Appropriately idealise the geometry of a real wing structure so that it can be assessed using standard thin walled structures analytical techniques.
LO2.
Apply aerospace structural analysis techniques - Calculate the shear flow distribution in a multi-cell thin walled tube, and use this information to determine a structurally sound fastener configuration.
LO3.
Apply aerospace structural analysis techniques - Calculate section properties, bending stresses/forces, and panel shear flows/stresses, for a single cell box beam subject to externally applied bending, and/or shear, and/or torsion loads.
LO4.
Apply aerospace structural analysis techniques - Predict the compressive failure mode of a column (Euler, intermediate, or short column), and then calculate its compressive failure load using the appropriate technique.
LO5.
Apply aerospace structural analysis techniques - Identify the appropriate boundary conditions for a rectangular panel loaded in compression, and calculate the stress at which it buckles.
LO6.
Apply aerospace structural analysis techniques - Calculate the crippling stress of an angle section using the method of angles technique, and extend this technique to calculating the strength of stiffened panels.
LO7.
Design and certify aerospace structures - Use aerospace structural analysis techniques to calculate margins of safety for each member in an externally loaded aerospace structure.
LO8.
Design and certify aerospace structures - Use aerospace structural analysis techniques to perform preliminary sizing for an aerospace structural assembly where the applied loads are known, but the structural configuration has not yet been established, and to certify the new design in an engineering report.
LO9.
Specify aerospace metallic manufacturing processes - Identify and explain the important characteristics of metallic materials which make them suitable for a range of critical applications in aerospace and near orbit flying vehicles.
LO10.
Specify aerospace metallic manufacturing processes - Identify and describe the performance requirements for aerospace metallic materials, in terms of their operating conditions and loading regimes, and their required mechanical properties.
LO11.
Specify aerospace metallic manufacturing processes - Identify and quantify the factors which determine the microstructure and properties of aerospace metals (aluminium alloys, titanium alloys, ultra-high strength steels, superalloys and other metals for aerospace applications) and use this knowledge to design material manufacturing processes which achieve pre-defined and specific mechanical properties and other performance characteristics.
LO12.
Specify aerospace metallic manufacturing processes - Identify and explain the typical manufacturing processes used for producing aerospace structural engineering components.
LO13.
Specify aerospace metallic manufacturing processes - Identify and explain the mechanical loading and state of stress for the major aerospace components.
LO14.
Specify aerospace metallic manufacturing processes - Integrate the knowledge from learning objectives 9-13 to conduct material selection for advanced aerospace applications.
LO15.
Specify aerospace metallic manufacturing processes - Integrate the knowledge from learning objectives 9-13 and work in a team to design a new manufacturing process for advanced aerospace applications.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | In-class problems | 10% (max 1% per week, capped at 10% total) |
31/07/2025 3:00 pm 7/08/2025 3:00 pm 14/08/2025 3:00 pm 21/08/2025 3:00 pm 28/08/2025 3:00 pm 4/09/2025 3:00 pm 11/09/2025 3:00 pm 18/09/2025 3:00 pm 25/09/2025 3:00 pm 16/10/2025 3:00 pm 23/10/2025 3:00 pm 30/10/2025 3:00 pm |
| Product/ Design | Assignment 1: Aircraft Structural Design | 20% |
25/09/2025 1:00 pm |
| Project | Assignment 2: Manufacturing Process Design | 20% |
30/10/2025 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
50% Structures(25%)/ Materials (25%) |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
In-class problems
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 10% (max 1% per week, capped at 10% total)
- Due date
31/07/2025 3:00 pm
7/08/2025 3:00 pm
14/08/2025 3:00 pm
21/08/2025 3:00 pm
28/08/2025 3:00 pm
4/09/2025 3:00 pm
11/09/2025 3:00 pm
18/09/2025 3:00 pm
25/09/2025 3:00 pm
16/10/2025 3:00 pm
23/10/2025 3:00 pm
30/10/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13
Task description
- The teaching staff will answer questions and explain the task to be completed individually during the applied class.
- Students will submit their individual solutions electronically via Blackboard (\\Assessment\\applied classes\\applied class Week X).
- Solutions to some or all of the applied class problems will be presented and discussed during the course of the applied class.
The maximum mark which can be obtained for this item of assessment is 10% (i.e. if you submit 9 applied classes during the course of the semester and receive full marks for each, your final mark for this item of assessment will be 9%; whereas if you submit 12 applied classes during the course of the semester and receive full marks for each, your final mark for this item of assessment will be 10%).
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit an electronic copy of your working via Blackboard (\\Assessment\\applied classes\\applied class Week X). Applied classes may be hand written, in which case the hardcopy should be scanned or imaged using, for example, a mobile phone and appropriate app (such as the Google Drive scan tool ). Alternatively, you may take photos and insert them as images into another document type such as MS Word (see https://uq.pressbooks.pub/digital-essentials-write-cite-submit/chapter/submitting-your-assignment/#handwritten under Submitting handwritten notes).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Discretionary extensions are not available for this task.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extensions are limited to 7 days as completion is required to progress with follow up assignments. Students who are unable to attend the applied class at the scheduled date and time should apply for an extension, with evidence that supports this. As this is a timed-assessment, Student Access Plans (SAPs) are not suitable supporting documentation.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Solutions are worked through in the applied class.
Assignment 1: Aircraft Structural Design
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Product/ Design
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
25/09/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
In this assignment students will design a minimum weight aircraft structural component/assembly and certify the structural integrity of their design.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
Please refer to Blackboard for detailed marking criteria.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is provided to students following 14 calendar days.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assignment 2: Manufacturing Process Design
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
30/10/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15
Task description
This assignment is centred around design and testing of a high strength aerospace aluminium alloy, and there are two associated laboratory sessions.
The initial phase of this assignment is to be performed in groups. Students will design a heat treatment process for an aluminium alloy in order to achieve specified mechanical properties. In the first laboratory session, supplied tensile and compressive test specimens will be subjected to the designed heat treatment schedules. In the second laboratory session the heat treated samples will be mechanically tested, providing tensile and compressive stress-strain data.
Students will then submit individual reports on this work, on the material design process and experiments, including background discussion. As part of this analysis, students will use stress-strain data from the laboratory experiments to derive mechanical properties for the alloy.
If, for whatever reason, you find that your group is not functioning effectively, please contact your Course Coordinator for support.
You must attend the laboratory sessions to receive all available marks for this item of assessment. If you cannot attend the practical then you need to apply for an extension. This may result in you either being allocated to a new practical time, or else being approved to submit the assessment subject to alternative arrangements, to be determined by the Course Coordinator. Where a student fails to attend their group's practical's without an approved reason, “Experimental Procedure”, “Results and Discussion” and “Conclusions” sections of their assignment will be marked as zero (where they were absent from both practical's) or else each mark against these criteria will be reduced by 50% (where they were absent from one practical).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
Please refer to Blackboard for detailed marking criteria.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If you are applying for an extension to the laboratory session please ensure you have your correct date and time in your request. You must provide evidence in your request that demonstrates your inability to attend the session at your scheduled date and time. As this is timed assessment, discretionary extensions and extensions based on Student Access Plans (SAPs) will not be accepted for the laboratory session.
Report feedback is provided to students following 14 calendar days.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50% Structures(25%)/ Materials (25%)
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13
Task description
Exam scope: Entire course.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
A minimum achievement of 40% is required separately in BOTH PARTS of the final exam (Part A - Structures and Part B - Materials and Manufacturing), and consequently for the final exam overall, in order to receive a passing grade for the course.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student fails to submit or complete all pieces of assessment and/or falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30.00 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student fails to submit or complete all pieces of assessment and/or falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45.00 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student fails to submit or complete all pieces of assessment and/or falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. Falls short of satisfying basic requirements for a Pass. Overall grade: 45.00-49.99% or less than 40% in either part of the IVA requirement as explained below. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50.00 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performance to be considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in the course. Overall grade 50.00-64.99% and a minimum score of 40% in both parts of the IVA requirement as explained below. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65.00 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills of the course, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge or skillhhh to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance, some use of analytical skills, and some originality or insight. Overall grade 65.00-74.99% and a minimum score of 40% in both parts of the IVA requirement as explained below. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75.00 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtler aspects of the course, such as ability to identify and debate critical issues or problems, ability to solve non-routine problems, ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations, and ability to invent and evaluate new ideas. Overall grade 75.00-84.99% and a minimum score of 40% in both parts of the IVA requirement as explained below. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85.00 - 100.00 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality or flair, based on proficiency in all the learning objectives for the course; work is interesting or surprising or exciting or challenging or erudite. Overall grade 85.00-100% and a minimum score of 40% in both parts of the IVA requirement as explained below. |
Additional course grading information
Grading Criteria
Specific grading criteria will be provided for each assessment item. These are available on Blackboard in the assessment folder. Overall mark is calculated using weighting for each component as specified in the Assessment Summary.ﾠ
Identity verified assessment
Identity verified assessment (IVA) ﾠwill be through obtainingﾠ at least 40% of the available marks ﾠin BOTH PARTS of the final exam (Part A - Structures and Part B - Materials and Manufacturing), and consequently for the final exam overall.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Make sure you regularly attend the weekly applied classes and receive advice about your progress.
Students will not be given exemptions, or partial credit from any previous attempt of this course, for any piece of assessment. You must complete all of the learning activities and assessment items each time you take a course.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard site: Make sure you regularly log in to the Blackboard site for this course
Risk Assessment/s Relevant to the course
- 19467: SMME - HTL - Fan Forced Air Circulating Laboratory Ovens
- 9046: SMME-AEB-"Heat treatment of metal samples using electric resistance furnaces"
- 13113: SMME – MPTLAB – Conduct Tensile Test in Instron
- 14897: SMME – MPTLAB – Conduct Compression Test in Instron
These risk assessments are used to manage students and casual demonstrators during practical activities.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Applied Class |
Applied Classes (Weeks 1-10, 12-13) This time is set aside for solving example problems, and includes time to ask questions about the course content and the assignments. Tutorial problems will be issued to students before the scheduled tutorial time. The teaching staff will answer questions and explain the task to be completed individually during the tutorial session. Students are actively encouraged to form in groups during the tutorial and collaborate with group members in completing this learning activity. Solutions to some or all of the tutorial problems will be presented and discussed during the course of the tutorial. Note: there will not be a tutorial and a lecture in Week 10 due to the King's Birthday public holiday, but the heat treatment materials prac IS running in Week 10. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13 |
Week 1 |
Lecture |
Structures Course Introduction. Introduction to thin walled structures. Learning outcomes: L07, L08 |
Week 2 |
Lecture |
Structures Shear flow in thin walled tubes Learning outcomes: L02, L08 |
Week 3 |
Lecture |
Structures Fasteners Learning outcomes: L02, L08 |
Week 4 |
Lecture |
Structures Wing box beams - Part 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L08 |
Week 5 |
Lecture |
Structures Wing box beams - Part 2 Learning outcomes: L03, L08 |
Week 6 |
Lecture |
Structures Compressive failure - Part 1 Learning outcomes: L04, L08 |
Week 7 |
Lecture |
Structures Compressive failure - Part 2 Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L08 |
Week 8 |
Lecture |
Materials Introduction to aerospace materials and aluminium alloys Learning outcomes: L09, L10, L11, L12, L13 |
Week 9 |
Lecture |
Materials Titanium alloys and ultra-high strength steels Learning outcomes: L09, L10, L11, L12, L13 |
Week 10 |
Practical |
Materials lab part 1 (heat treatment) Learning outcomes: L10, L11, L13, L14, L15 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Materials Superalloys and otherr light alloys Learning outcomes: L09, L10, L11, L12, L13 |
Practical |
Materials lab part 2 (tensile/compressive testing) Learning outcomes: L10, L11, L13, L14, L15 |
|
Week 12 |
Lecture |
Materials Sheet forming and forging Learning outcomes: L12, L13 |
Week 13 |
Lecture |
Materials Manufacturing case studies Learning outcomes: L12, L13 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.