Analysis of Aircraft Structures

As with the first edition, this textbook provides a clear introduction to the fundamental theory of structural analysis as applied to vehicular structures such as aircraft, spacecraft, automobiles and ships. The emphasis is on the application of fundamental concepts of structural analysis that are employed in everyday engineering practice. All approximations are accompanied by a full explanation of their validity. In this new edition, more topics, figures, examples and exercises have been added. There is also a greater emphasis on the finite element method of analysis. Clarity remains the hallmark of this text and it employs three strategies to achieve clarity of presentation: essential introductory topics are covered, all approximations are fully explained and many important concepts are repeated.

Introduction to the second edition; Introduction to the first edition; Part I. The Fundamentals of Structural Analysis: 1. Stress in structures; 2. Stresses and coordinate axis rotations; 3. Displacements and strains; 4. Strains in rotated coordinate systems; 5. The mechanical behavior of engineering materials; 6. Linearly elastic materials; Part II. Introduction to the Theory of Elasticity: 7. The theory of elasticity; 8. Plane stress theory of elasticity solutions; Part I and Part II review questions; Part III. The Engineering Theory for Straight, Long Beams: 9. Bending and extensional stresses in beams; 10. Beam bending and extensional deflections; 11. Additional beam bending topics; 12. Uniform torsion of beams; 13. Beam torsion approximate solutions; Beam bending and torsion review questions; 14. Beam shearing stresses due to shearing forces; Part IV. Work and Energy Principles: 15. Work and potential energy principles; Part V. Energy Based Numerical Solutions: 16. Precursor numerical analyses; 17. Introduction to the finite element method; 18. Finite element truss problems; 19. Basic aspects of multidimensional finite elements; 20. The unit load method for determinate structures; 21. The unit load method for indeterminate structures; Parts IV and V review; Part VI. Extensions to Plate Theory and Finite Element Applications: 22. Thin plate theory; 23. Elastic and aeroelastic instabilities; Selected answers to Part I exercises; Selected answers to Part II exercises; Selected answers to Part III exercises; Selected answers to Part IV and Part V exercises; Selected answers to Part VI exercises; References.