Spacecraft Structural Design

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Calculate loads on the spacecraft structural elements
• Perform a spacecraft structural analysis
• Select appropriately the structural parameters to meet the requirements
• Analyse structural test data and compare them with theoretical predictions
• Understand the mechanical design requirements quoted in launchers user manuals

Full CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• As part of the final assessment and module quizzes the student must apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics and engineering principles to the solution of complex spacecraft structural problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of spacecraft engineering and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of Aerospace engineering.
• As part of the final assessment the student must formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics and engineering principles, and using engineering judgement to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
• As part of the final assessment the students must apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems.
• As part of the final assessment and module quizzes the student must select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations.
• As part of the final assessment the student must select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex spacecraft structural problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Gain a good understanding of the basic principles of spacecraft
• The development of the spacecraft structural design, starting from the definition of the structural requirements to the final structural test campaign

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Gain an awareness of structural analysis approaches for spacecraft design

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Study and learn independently
• Solve problems systematically

Introduction (1 lecture)

Chapter 1 – The Spacecraft Design Process (1 lecture)

• Basic definitions, design phases, key requirements, design methodology and loads.

Chapter 2 – Loads (6 lectures)

• Launch vehicles, the launch manual, understanding the key information and terminology in the manual.

Chapter 3 – Analysis Methods (13 lectures)

• Basic structural mechanics concepts, single degree of freedom systems (applied to launch vehicles), mechanics of materials overview, Flexible body dynamics, strength analysis.

Chapter 4 – Design (6 lectures)

• Configuration development, initial structural analysis, materials, methods of attachment, the validated satellite finite element model.

Chapter 5 – Mechanisms and Deployable Structures (4 lectures)

• Separation systems, deployable structures, mechanical devices, testing.

Chapter 6 – Verification and Test (2 lecture)

• Structural tests, static tests, dynamic tests, documentation.

Summary/Revision Lectures (3 lectures)

Teaching methods will include lectures.

Learning activities include directed reading and problem solving.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.