Examining the Challenges in Structural Design

Structural Performance
Selection of Materials and Structures
What is structural capability?

By capability, we refer to the ability of a structure to fulfil its

function to carry and transmit loads for a given application. We
have seen the various loads carried by different aircraft structural
parts already, but how could this function be disrupted?
What Influences this Capability?

Ductile Failure by BradleyGrillo under CC BY-SA 3.0

NASA.gov photo
Structure Breaks Excessive Deformation
(due to Material Fracture)
What we control through design?

Material Geometry
Designing the Indestructible

Flight Recorders byYSSYguy CC BY-SA 3.0

Why can’t we design aircraft as strong and stiff as possible?
Design Constraints

Weight Cost Aerodynamic

Shape
Many other constraints for design and optimization possible