Fundamentals of Aeronautical Engineering

Prof. Karnail Singh Saini, Assistant Professor

Aeronautical Engineering Depa ment
 CHAPTER-3
Fundamentals of Aircra Structure
Introduction
 Aircraf tstructure refers to the framework or body of an aircraf tthat
provides suppor t, shape, and protection to the aircraf t's components and
occupants. It is designed to withstand various external forces
encountered during flight, such as aerodynamic loads, vibrations, and
temperature changes. The structure of an aircraf tis crucial for its overall
pe ormance, safety, and durability.
 Aircra structures are typically constructed using lightweight materials to
optimize the aircraf t's weight and fuel efficiency while maintaining
structural integrity. The most common materials used in aircra
construction include aluminum alloys, composite materials and titanium
alloys. Each material has its own advantages and trade-offs in terms of
strength, weight, cost, and ease of manufacturing.
 The primary components of an aircraf tstructure include the fuselage,
Nomenclature of Aircra

Image source : h ps://www.aircra systemstech.com/

Cont…

Image source : h ps://www.aircra systemstech.com/

Fuselage
 The aircraf tfuselage is the central structure or body of an aircraf tthat
accommodates the flight crew, passengers, cargo, and various systems. It
also provides the structural connection for the wings and tail assembly. It
is of ten referred to as the "backbone" of the aircraf t, as it provides the
main structural suppor tand houses essential components. The fuselage
plays a critical role in maintaining the aerodynamic shape, stability, and
integrity of the aircra .
 The fuselage is typically cylindrical or tubular in shape, although it may
vary in design depending on the type of aircraf t, such as commercial
airliners, military jets, helicopters, or small general aviation aircraf t. It is
constructed using strong and lightweight materials such as aluminum
alloys, composite materials, or a combination of both.
 The primary functions of the fuselage are as follows: Structural Integrity,
Cont…
Truss Structure
Truss structures consist of a network of
interconnected beams, called trusses that
carry the structural loads.
The fuselage skin in a truss structure
serves primarily as a covering and is not
responsible for significant load-bearing
capabilities.
Truss structures are typically made of
steel or aluminum tubes and are commonly
used in light aircraf tor older designs. They
offer simplicity in construction and
maintenance but are generally heavier Image source : h ps://www.aircra systemstech.com/
Cont…
Monocoque Fuselage Structure
In a monocoque (French for "single
shell") structure, the fuselage relies on
the strength and rigidity of the outer skin
or shell to carry the majority of the
structural loads.
T h e sk in is t y p ical l y m ad e of
lightweight materials, such as aluminum
alloys or composite materials, and is
reinforced with internal structural
members, such as frames, longerons,
and bulkheads.
Monocoque structures offer excellent
Image source : h ps://www.aircra systemstech.com/
Cont…
Monocoque Fuselage Structure
The semi-monocoque structure is a
hybrid design that combines the
principles of monocoque and truss
structures.
The skin of the fuselage carries a
por tion of the structural loads, while the
remaining loads are distributed among
internal framework components, such as
stringers, longerons, and frames.
This type of structure provides a good
balance between strength, weight, and
manufacturing complexity. Image source : h ps://www.aircra systemstech.com/
Cont…
Blended Wing Body (BWB) Structure
The Blended Wing Body fuselage
structure is a relatively new concept
where the fuselage and wings merge
into a single, seamless structure. In this
design, the entire aircraf tbody
contributes to li generation, resulting in
improved aerodynamic efficiency and
increased fuel ef ficiency. BWB
structures are primarily seen in
experimental or concept aircraf t, and
they offer unique challenges in terms of
structural design and manufacturing.
Wing
 The wings are air foils at tached to
each side of the fuselage and are
the main lif ti ng sur fa ces that
suppo the airplane in flight.
 The wing structure of an aircra is a
critical component that provides li ,
stability, and control during flight.
 It is design ed to w ith stan d
aerodynamic forces and distribute
them efficiently throughout the
wing.
 The wing structure is typically
constructed using lightweight Image source : h ps://www.flightliteracy.com /
Cont…
Structural Components of the Wing
The principal structural pa s of the wing are
Spar
Ribs
Wing Skin
Wing Box
Wing Flaps and Ailerons
Wing Spars

Image source : h ps://www.flightliteracy.com

Empennage
 The empennage is the tail section of
an airplane, which includes the
horizontal stabilizer, ver tical fin, and
associated control su aces.
 It plays a crucial role in providing
stability, control, and directional
stability during flight.
 The empennage includes the entire
tail group and consists of fixed
sur faces, such as the ver tical stabilizer
and the horizontal stabilizer.
 The movable sur fa ces include the
Image source : h ps://www.flightliteracy.com
Cont…
 A second type of empennage design
does not require an elevator. Instead, it
incorporates a one-piece horizontal
stabilizer that pivots from a central
hinge point.
 This type of design is called a stabilator
, and is moved using the control wheel
, just as the elevator is moved.
 For example, when a pilot pulls back
on the control wheel, the stabilator
pivots so the trailing edge moves up.
This increases the aerodynamic tail
load and causes the nose of the Image source : h ps://www.flightliteracy.com
Cont…
 There are several types of tail
configurations used in aircraf t,
each with its own advantages
and characteristics.
 The tail of an aircraf t, also
known as the empennage,
provides stability, control, and
directional stability.
 Here are some common tail
configurations:

Image source : h ps://www.flightliteracy.com

Landing Gear
The landing gear is an essential component of an aircraf tthat suppor ts the
aircraf t's weight during landing, takeoff, and ground operations. It consists of
various mechanisms, structures, and components designed to provide
stability, absorbs landing forces, and facilitate ground maneuverability. Here's
an explanation of the different pa s and functions of landing gear:
Main Landing Gear
Nose Landing Gear
Retraction and Extension Mechanism
Emergency Extension
Cont…
Landing gear can be classified
based on various factors such as
configuration, number of wheels,
and landing gear arrangement.
Here are some common
classifications of landing gear:
Configuration: a. Tricycle Gear b.
Taildragger Gear
Number of Wheels
Landing Gear Arrangement
High-Speed Landing Gear
Amphibious Landing Gear
Image source : h ps://www.flightliteracy.com
Powerplant
 The small aircraf tpowerplant usually
includes both the engine and the
propeller.
 The primary function of the engine is to
provide the power to turn the propeller.
 It also generates electrical power,
provides a vacuum source for some flight
instruments, and in most single-engine
airplanes, provides a source of heat for
the pilot and passengers.
 The engine is covered by a cowling, or a
nacelle, which are both types of covered
housing. The purpose of the cowling or Image source : h ps://www.flightliteracy.com
Cont…
 Jet engines on commercial airliners
are housed in nacelles.
 It is a high-tech complex system,
integrating the thrust reverser, which
manages several basic functions
such as noise abatement, deicing
and the management of internal and
external temperature differences,
protection from fire and lightning,
taking up loads between the engine
and the pylon which connects it to
the wing, braking (with the thrust
reverser) and even the aesthetic Image source : h ps://www.safran-nacelles.com/nacelle-systems-0
Structural Components of Helicopter

Image source : h ps://www.safran-nacelles.com/nacelle-systems-0

Cont…
Rotor Configuration
Helicopters can be classified based on various criteria, including their size,
purpose, design, and rotor system configuration. Here are some common
classifications of helicopters:
Size:- Light Helicopters, Medium Helicopters and Heavy Helicopters
Purpose:-General-Purpose Helicopters, Military Helicopters and Medical
/Emergency Helicopters
Design:- Single Rotor Helicopters, Coaxial Rotor Helicopters, Tandem Rotor
Helicopters and Compound Helicopters
Rotor Configuration:- Conventional Rotor Helicopters, NOTAR (No Tail Rotor)
Helicopters and Co-Axial Rotor Helicopters
Rocket
Rockets are complex vehicles designed
for space exploration and satellite
launches. They consist of several key
structural components that work
tog et h er to en ab l e t h e overal l
functionality of the rocket:
Payload
Rocket Engines
Propellant Tanks
Rocket Stages
Guidance and Control System
Structural Framework
Image source : h ps://www.safran-nacelles.com/nacelle-systems-0
RLV (Reusable Launch Vehicle)
Rockets are complex vehicles designed
for space exploration and satellite
launches. They consist of several key
structural components that work
tog et h er to en ab l e t h e overal l
functionality of the rocket:
Ai rame
Propulsion System
Re-entry System
Parachute or Propulsive Landing
System
Avionics and Guidance Systems
Image source : h ps://www.safran-nacelles.com/nacelle-systems-0
Aircra Materials
Aircraf tmaterials play a crucial role in the design, construction, and
per fo rmance of aircraf t. These materials need to possess specific
characteristics such as strength, durability, lightweight, corrosion resistance,
and high-temperature resistance. Materials affect vir tually every aspect of the
aircra , including the:
Purchase cost of new aircraf t& Cost of structural upgrades to existing
aircra
Design options for the ai rame, structural components and engines;
Fuel consumption of the aircra (light-weighting);
Operational pe ormance of the aircra (speed, range and payload);
Power and fuel efficiency of the engines;
In-service maintenance (inspection and repair) of the ai rame and engines;
Cont…
Types of Materials
Here is an introduction to some of the key materials used in aircra
construction:
Aluminum Alloys
Titanium Alloys
Composite Materials
Steel Alloys
Ceramics
Honeycomb Structures
Thermoplastics
Adhesives
Future Aircra
The future of aircraf tholds several potential advancements and innovations
that could shape the industry. While it's impossible to predict the exact details,
here are some concepts and technologies that may be pa of future aircra :
Electric and Hybrid Electric Aircra
Supersonic and Hypersonic Travel
Advanced Materials
Autonomous and Unmanned Aircra
Advanced Aerodynamics
Advanced Cockpit Systems
Sustainable Aviation Fuels
Space Tourism
Green Technologies
THANK YOU