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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: 2026-06-01 11:31:21

Abstract

The course covers the principles for lightweight design as well as methods for analyzing the load carrying and failure behavior of lightweight structures.

Objective

At the end of the course, the students should be able to • evaluate the potential of lightweighting methods, • quantitatively assess different stiffening methods, • dimension modern lightweight structures, such as vehicle and aerospace structures.

Content

The course covers the following topics: • Lightweight design • Thin-walled beams and plates • Critical load cases • Instability behavior of thin-walled structures • Reinforced shell structures • Sandwich design • Load introduction in lightweight structures

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts, Exercises

Literature

Structural Mechanics in Lightweight Engineering, C. Mittelstedt Aircraft Structures for engineering students, T.H. Megson Theory of Plates and Shells, C. Mittelstedt Buckling of Beams, Plates and Shells, C. Mittelstedt

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 150 minutes
Aids
One formula sheet (maximum three A4 pages); no 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