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Lightweight Structures Laboratory
Strukturlabor
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:54
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
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 32
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| practical/laboratory course | Strukturlabor | No time listed | 3 h weekly |
Offered In
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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 required, one course from another focus specialization or from the electives of the ME Bachelor program can be selected. For recommended courses and further information, please visit the MAVT website for Focus Specialization ( ).)
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