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

Lightweight Structures

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Thomas Tancogne-Dejean

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

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:53

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.	No time listed	2 h weekly
exercise	Lightweight Structures Groups are selected in myStudies. The course starts in the 2nd semester week.	No time listed	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 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 ( ).)
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.)