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151-0364-00L 4 Credits BSC D-MAVT
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Lightweight Structures Laboratory

Strukturlabor

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Markus Zogg
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:29:54

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 2-3 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 in the lab - manufacturing and structural testing of an improved component in the lab - cost assessment - Report The practical project work is supported by selected teaching units.

Resources

Lecture Notes

handouts for selected topics are available

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
26

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
independent project Strukturlabor
  • Thu 14:15-17:00 (IFW C 31)
5 h weekly

Offered In

  • Mechanical Engineering Bachelor
    • Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2022)
      • 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 ( ).)