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151-0364-00L 4 Credits BSC D-MAVT

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Lightweight Structures Laboratory

Strukturlabor

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Paolo Ermanni, Dr. Markus Zogg

Number of participants limited to 24.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:48:09

Abstract

Teams of 2 to 3 students have to design, size, and manufacture a lightweight structre complying with given specifications. An aircraft wing spar prototype as well as later a second improved spar will be tested and assessed regarding to design and to structural mechanical criteria.

Objective

To develop the skills to identify and solve typical problems of the structure mechanics on a real application. Other important aspects are to foster team work and team spirit, to link theoretical knowledge and practice, to gather practical experiences in various fields related to lightweight structures such as design, different CAE-methods and structural testing.

Content

The task of each team (typically 2-2 students) is the realization of a reduced-scale aircraft wing spar, a typical load-carrying structure, with selected materials. The teams are free to develop and implement their own ideas. In this context, specified requirements include information about loads, interface to the surrounding structures. The project is structured as described below: - Concept development - design of the component including FEM simulation and stability checks - manufacturing and structural testing of a prototype - manufacturing and structural testing of an improved component - cost assessment - Report The project work is supported by selected teaching units.

Resources

Lecture Notes

handouts for selected topics are available

Learning Materials (Links)

Main link
Informationen und Lernmaterial zur der Lehrveranstaltung

General Information

Language: German
Levels: BSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Die Note ergibt sich aus 3 Teilnoten: Präsentationen bei Kolloquium und Versuchen (20%), Bericht und Qualität der Ergebnisse (40%), mündliche Prüfung (in Gruppe mit Fragen an einzelne Studenten, 45 Min., 40%).

Registration & Places

Max Places: 24

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
independent project	Strukturlabor Die Lehrveranstaltung beginnt in der zweiten Semesterwoche.	Thu 14:15-17:00 (IFW A 36)	5 h weekly

Offered In

Mechanical Engineering Bachelor
- 5. Semester
  - Focus Specialization
    - Design, Mechanics and Materials (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Kristina Shea In order to achieve the required 20 credit points for the Focus Specialization Design, Mechanics and Material you are free to choose any of the courses offered within the focus and are encouraged to select among those recommended. If you wish to take one of the Master level courses, you must get approval from the lecturer.)