MEC 1206 Aircraft Materials

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

The aircraft industry makes great demands upon its materials. Not only must designs be efficient and as light as possible, but they must also ensure that failure in flight does not occur on account of the almost certain tragic consequences. To ensure reliable operation, the design must also include maintenance in the form of inspection and repairs due to corrosion or cracking due to metal fatigue. A knowledge of aircraft materials is of fundamental importance to those engaged in aircraft maintenance and modification.

SYNOPSIS:

This course provides a broad outline of the characteristic properties and behaviour in service of the commonly used aircraft materials, with particular emphasis on airframe materials. This knowledge allows an understanding of the consequences of the use of incorrect material for component replacement and provides a basis for appreciating the inspection procedures used as part of the maintenance schedule. Some newer materials likely to find more widespread use in aircraft in the future are also briefly covered.

OBJECTIVES:

On completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. understand the characteristic properties, behaviour in service and typical applications of commonly used aircraft materials;
2. describe the common mechanical test procedures used to assess the performance of materials used in aircraft construction;
3. apply technical and conceptual skills in the application of mechanical test results to aircraft materials;
4. describe the various non destructive testing techniques and the application of such techniques in aircraft maintenance.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

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REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Student Administration will advise students of the dates of their examinations during the semester.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete the practical component satisfactorily, students must submit, by the due date, a practical report which meets the requirements of the assessment scheme.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   A CMA submitted after the due date will not be marked if the results and answers have been released.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must submit all of the summative assessment items, achieve at least 40% in the examination and at least 50% of the available weighted marks for the summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   In a Closed Examination, candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the examination period at the end of the semester of the next offering of this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES