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151-3207-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-ITET , D-MAVT , D-ERDW , D-PHYS

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Lightweight Structures

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Thomas Tancogne-Dejean

Note: the previous course title until HS23 "Leichtbau" in German.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:30:28

Abstract

The elective course Lightweight includes numerical methods for the analysis of the load carrying and failure behavior of lightweight structures, as well as construction methods and design principles for lightweight design.

Objective

The goal of this course is to convey substantiated background for the understanding and the design and sizing of modern lightweight structures in mechanical engineering, vehicle and airplane design.

Content

Lightweight design Thin-walled beams and structures Instability behavior of thin walled structures Reinforced shell structures Load introduction in lightweight structures Joining technology Sandwich design

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts, Exercises

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 90 minutes
Aids: One formula sheet (maximum three A4 pages); no programmable calculator.

A voluntary intermediate examination takes place during the semester. If the result of the voluntary intermediate examination leads to an improvement in the final grade, it counts for 30% of the final result for the course.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Lightweight Structures The course starts in the 2nd semester week.	Mon 14:15-16:00 (HG G 3)	2 h weekly
exercise	Lightweight Structures Groups are selected in myStudies. The course starts in the 2nd semester week.	Wed 12:15-14:00 (LFW C 1) Wed 12:15-14:00 (LFW E 13) Wed 12:15-14:00 (ML J 34.3) Thu 10:15-12:00 (HG E 22) Thu 10:15-12:00 (HG E 33.1) Thu 10:15-12:00 (ML H 41.1) Thu 16:15-18:00 (IFW D 42) Thu 16:15-18:00 (NO E 39)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Mechanical Engineering Bachelor
- Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2022)
  - Electives
  - Focus Specialization
    - Design, Mechanics and Manufacturing (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Dennis Kochmann To achieve the required 20 credit points for the Focus Specialization Design, Mechanics and Manufacturing, all of the courses listed can be selected. If you wish to take a Master level course, you must obtain the consent of the responsible lecturer. After approval by the focus coordinator, an additional course to the listed courses can be requested. There are recommended lectures for the “Design” track, the “Mechanics” track and the “Manufacturing” track. For recommended courses and further information, please visit the MAVT website for Focus Specialization ( ).)
Space Systems Master
- Deep Track Courses (At least 20 credits must be completed within the deep track courses. Surplus credit points can be counted towards the electives.)
  - Aerospace Engineering
    - Deep Track Aerospace Engineering (These courses can be credited either as a specialization subject or as an elective subject.)