DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

MAMALLAPURAM, CHENNAI

DEPARTMENT OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

COURSE FILE

COURSE CODE : C302

SUBJECT CODE : AE8502 (R-2017)

SUBJECT NAME : AIRCRAFT STRUCTURE - II

YEAR / SEMESTER : III / V

 ASSIGNMENTS
ASSIGNMENT – 1

1. The cross-section of a 2 m long cantilever beam is indicated in Figure 11(b). The given beam is
subject to its own self-weight of 27.5 kg/m where 1 kg = 9.81 N.
a. Determine the bending moment Mx at the beam section adjacent to the fixed end and obtain
an expression for the bending stress in the form σ = Ay– Bx. (4)
b. Evaluate the bending stress at point B using the expression σ = Ay – Bx, and (4)
c. Sketch the neutral axis on the cross-section and indicate its angle ith the x-axis. The centroid
of the section is the intersection point of the indicated horizontal and vertical axes. Ixy =
1.186 × 10–6 m4. Ixx = 4 × 10–6 m4, Iyy = 1.08 × 10–6 m4 (5)

2. Determine the bending stresses developed in the idealized section shown in Figure 16(a). The section
is subjected to bending moments with respect to centroidal axes Xand Y and they are MX= 5 kN-m
and MY= 1 kN-m.

3. A thin-walled, cantilever beam of unsymmetrical cross-section supports shear loads at its free end as
shown in Fig. P.16.2. Calculate the value of direct stress at the extremity of the lower flange (point A) at a
section half-way along the beam if the position of the shear loads is such that no twisting of the beam
occurs.
 ASSIGNMENT – 2

1. The centroid location of the thin-walled angle section given in Figure 5 is (11.274mm, 5.2 mm)
from corner 2. The section is subject to vertical shear of 300 N. Determine expressions for the
resulting shear flow. Plot the shear flow pattern. Wall thickness is uniform and equal to 1.25 mm.

2. Find the shear flow distribution and locate the shear center location for the section shown in
figure. For a vertical shear load of Sy = 50kN acting through shear center. Area of all stringers is
same which is equal to 2cm2

3. A cantilever has the inverted T-section shown in Fig. It carries a vertical shear load of 4 kN in a
downward direction. Determine the distribution of vertical shear stress in its cross-section.

4. An I-section beam having the cross-sectional dimensions shown in Fig. carries a vertical shear
load of 80 kN. Calculate and sketch the distribution of vertical shear stress across the beam
section and determine the percentage of the total shear load carried by the web.
 ASSIGNMENT – 3

1. Find the shear flow distribution for the cross section shown in Figure. Given area of stringers a =
a' = 2 cm²; b = b' = d = d' = 0.5 cm2; c = c' = e = e' = 1 cm² and the thickness of
ab=be=cd=de=a'b'=b'c'=c'd'=d'e' = 3 mm.

1. A thin-walled two-cell beam with the singly symmetrical cross-section shown in Fig. P.26.2 is built-in
at one end where the torque is 11 000 Nm. Assuming the cross-section remains undistorted by the
loading, determine the distribution of shear flow and the position of the centre of twist at the built-in
end. The shear modulus G is the same for all walls.

2. Idealize the box section shown in Fig. P.20.1 into an arrangement of direct stress carrying booms
positioned at the four corners and panels which are assumed to carry only shear stresses. Hence
determine the distance of the shear centre from the left-hand web.
 ASSIGNMENT – 4

1. Explain how Needham’s method is used to determine the crippling stress for a thin-walled
channel section. Using the same determine the crippling stress for the section shown in Figure.
Compressive yield stress is 250 MPa and modulus of elasticity is 70 GPa. Thickness is 3 mm
throughout

2. Explain the pure tension field and semi tension field beam analysis and bring out their
differences.

3. A panel, comprising flat sheet and uniformly spaced Z-section stringers, a part of whose cross
section is shown in Fig. P.9.3, is to be investigated for strength under uniform compressive loads
in a structure in which it is to be stabilized by frames a distance l apart, l being appreciably
greater than the spacing b.
(a) State modes of failure you would consider and how you would determine appropriate limiting
stresses.
(b) Describe a suitable test to verify your calculations, giving particulars of the specimen, the
manner of support, and the measurements you would take. The latter should enable you to verify
the assumptions made, as well as to obtain the load supported.

4. The sheet stringer panel shown in Fig. 11.28 is loaded in compression by means of rigid
members. The sheet is assumed to be simply supported at the loaded ends and at the rivet lines
and to be free at the sides. Each stringer has an area of 6.4516 cm2 Assume E = 71016000118
N/m2 for the sheet and stringers. Find the total compressive load P:
(a) When the sheet first buckles
(b) When the stringer stress σc is 6.8948x107 N/m2
(c) When the stringer stress σc is 2.06843x107 N/m2
 ASSIGNMENT – 5

1. (i) What are the types of loads that an aircraft is subject to – classify and explain these loads.
Sketch and indicate how these loads act on an aircraft. (7)
(ii) Sketch a typical spanwise lift distribution for a wing-fuselage combination. How are shear
force and bending moment diagrams constructed for an aircraft wing? (6)

2. List out the different structural elements contained in an aircraft semi- monocoque wing. What
are their functions? Draw the wing diagram neatly. (7)
ii) Discuss the cantilever type of aircraft wing for a transport aircraft shown in Figure 15. (a) (ii)
to find moment distribution. (Model the wing). (6)

3. The beam shown in Fig. 9.12 is assumed to have a complete tension field web. If the cross-
sectional areas of the flanges and stiffeners are, respectively, 350mm2 and 300mm2 and the elastic
section modulus of each flange is 750mm3, determine the maximum stress in a flange and also
whether or not the stiffeners will buckle. The thickness of the web is 2mm, and the second
moment of area of a stiffener about an axis in the plane of the web is 2000mm4; E = 70
000N/mm2.

4. Calculate the shear stress distribution in the walls of the three-cell wing section shown in Fig when it
is subjected to an anticlockwise torque of 11.3 kN m.
 QUESTION BANK
Subject Code & Name: AE8502 – AIRCRAFT STRUCTURES - II

Year / Sem : III / V

UNIT I – UNSYMMETRICAL BENDING

BT
Q. No Question Competence
Level
PART – A
Under what circumstances will the neutral axis pass through the
1. L2 Understanding
centroid of a beam section when the section is subjected to bending?
A rectangular cross section is subjected to a skew load. Mark the
2. L2 Understanding
neutral axis and sketch the bending stress distribution.
3. What is unsymmetrical bending? Give an example L1 Remembering
4. Define: Principal Axis and Neutral Axis L1 Remembering
5. State the assumptions made in elementary beam theory? L1 Remembering
6. Define pure bending of beam? L1 Remembering
7. What is the difference between symmetric and unsymmetric bending? L1 Remembering
Name the three different method of Bending stress calculation in an
8. L1 Remembering
unsymmetrical section.
9. Define Anticlastic bending? L2 Understanding
10. Define Skew loads? L2 Understanding
Bending of section subjected to skew load will be symmetrical or
11. L2 Understanding
unsymmetrical and justify your answer?
During steady level flight, is an aircraft fuselage subject to
12. L2 Understanding
symmetrical or unsymmetrical bending? Justify your answer
A beam under unsymmetrical bending will deflect in a direction
which is (always perpendicular to the neutral axis/usually inclined to
13. L2 Understanding
the neutral axis/parallel to either one of the principal axis of inertia
direction).
When does a beam with an unsymmetrical cross-section experience
14. L2 Understanding
symmetrical bending?
The bending moment about centroidal axes X and Y are Mx =
1500Nm and My= 600 Nm. Determine the moment about principal
15. L3 Apply
axes Xp and Yp if Xp is oriented at an angle 36º in anticlockwise
direction from X-axis.
Considering bending moment about centroidal axes of Q1 determine
16. the bending moment about neutral axis oriented at an angle 15º in L3 Apply
anticlockwise direction from X axis.
Write down the expression for orientation of principal axis of beam
17. with unsymmetrical cross section in z-x plane and subjected to L2 Understanding
bending moments Mx and Mz?
Is beam curvature due to bending directly proportional/inversely
proportional to the applied bending moment and directly
18. L2 Understanding
proportional/inversely proportional to the product EI known as the
flexural rigidity of the beam?
PART – B
 (i) The cross-section of a beam has the dimensions shown in Figure 2.
If the beam is subject to a negative bending moment of 100 kNm
applied in a vertical plane, determine the distribution of direct stress
through the depth of the section. (5)
(ii) Now determine the distribution of direct stress in the beam cross
section if the same bending moment 100 kNm is applied in a
horizontal plane. (5)
(iii) Define unsymmetrical bending. If the bending moments in part
(i) and (ii) are applied simultaneously, will the resulting bending be
1. symmetric or unsymmetric - explain your answer. (3)
L3 Apply

The webs of the cross-section given in Figure 3 are ineffective in

bending. Boom areas are as follows: A = 3 cm2, B = C = 2.5 cm2, and
C = 2 cm2. Bending moments are Mx =10 kNm and My =4 kNm.
Obtain an expression for the bending stress in the form σ = Ay −Bx.
Find the neutral axis orientation with respect to the x-axis. Determine
the normal stress in booms A and C in MPa, and state if the stress is
2. tensile or compressive. L3 Apply

The section indicated in Figure 1 is subject to bending moments MX=

5000 N cm and MY = –4000 N cm. Determine the bending stress at
corner points A, B and C and determine the neutral axis inclination
angle.

3.
 The webs of the section indicated in Figure 2 are ineffective in
bending A, B, C, D = 2 cm2. Determine the bending stresses in the
flanges A, B, C and D when the section is subject to bending
moment MX= 1500 Nm, BC = 10 cm.

4. L3 Apply

Derive an expression for bending stress in an unsymmetrical section

5. subjected to Mx and My and modify this expression with respect to L3 Apply
principal axis and Neutral axis.
Obtain the bending stress values at all the corner points for the section
shown in Fig. Q. 11 (b).

6. L3 Apply

An Angle section in fig. Q. 12 (b) is subjected to Mx = 20

KNm and My =15 KNm. Find maximum bending stress.

7. L3 Apply

Find the bending stress distribution in a thin-walled Z section whose

8. thickness is t, height h, flange width h/2 and subjected to a positive L3 Apply
bending moment Mx.
(i) Define neutral axis and write the bending stress expression along
this axis (σN ) . (5)
9. L3 Apply
(ii) Derive an expression for the bending stress in an unsymmetrical
section using ‘Generalised method’. (8)
The cross-section of a 2 m long cantilever beam is indicated in Figure
11(b). The given beam is subject to its own self-weight of 27.5 kg/m
where 1 kg = 9.81 N.
10. L3 Apply
(i). Determine the bending moment Mx at the beam section adjacent
to the fixed end and obtain an expression for the bending stress in the
form σ = Ay– Bx. (4)
 (ii). Evaluate the bending stress at point B using the expression σ =
Ay – Bx, and (4)
(iii). Sketch the neutral axis on the cross-section and indicate its angle
with the x-axis. The centroid of the section is the intersection point of
the indicated horizontal and vertical axes. Ixy = 1.186 × 10–6 m4. Ixx
= 4 × 10–6 m4, Iyy = 1.08 × 10–6 m4 (5)

Obtain the bending stress values at two points, A and B, mentioned in

the following Figure. Find the location (only) of neutral axis with
respect to vertical axis.

11. L3 Apply

The symmetrical Section shown in the Fig is subjected to bending

moments of Mx = 1000Nm and My = 2500Nm. Obtain the magnitude
and location of the maximum bending stress using k method. The
section is in x-y Plane

12. L3 Apply

PART – C
i) Determine the section properties of the angle section given in
Figure. What are principal axes of inertia and how are they
determined?

1. L4 Analyze
 ii) Consider a uniform cantilever beam with an angle cross-section.
The beam is subject to a tip shearing load P which is inclined at α° to
the x-axis. Explain how tip deflection magnitude and direction can be
determined by resolving the given load along principal directions. (8)
Determine the bending stresses developed in the idealized section
shown in Figure 16(a). The section is subjected to bending moments
with respect to centroidal axes Xand Y and they are MX= 5 kN-m
and MY = 1 kN-m.

2. L4 Analyze

UNIT II – SHEAR FLOW IN OPEN SECTIONS

BT
Q. No Question Competence
Level
PART – A
1. Relate bending moment and shear flow. L2 Understanding
2. For a thin-walled angle section, where will the shear center lie? L2 Understanding
What is the locus of centroids of the different cross-sections of an
3. L2 Understanding
elastic beam called?
Sketch and mark the approximate shear center location of the thin-
4. L2 Understanding
walled angle section
What are the cross-section types for which shear center and section
5. L2 Understanding
centroid coincide?
6. Define shear flow and state its S.I. units. L1 Remembering
7. Define shear center and Elastic Axis. L1 Remembering
Indicate the position of shear center for a channel section and angle
8. L2 Understanding
section.
If the webs of the section shown below are in effective in bending,
9. L2 Understanding
plot the shear flow for a vertical load through the shear center.
A thin curved web carries a constants shear flow ‘q’. Calculate the
10. L2 Understanding
resulting torque of the shear flow about an arbitrary point ‘O’.
11. What do you know about shear centre and centre of twist? L2 Understanding
12. Draw and mark shear centre for equal angle section and Z-section. L2 Understanding
Sketch the shear stress and bending stress variations on I and T
13. L2 Understanding
sections.
14. What is meant by Structural idealization? L2 Understanding
What are the cross sectional type for which the shear centre and
15. L2 Understanding
section centroid coincide?
Sketch the shear flow distribution for a thin-walled Z section
16. L2 Understanding
subjected to a vertical load through the shear centre.
17. Write the properties of the shear flow, when it crosses the booms L2 Understanding
18. Differentiate wall effective and walls ineffective. L2 Understanding
PART – B
(i) Calculate the shear flow distribution in the channel section shown
in Figure produced by a vertical shear load of 4.8 kN acting through
its shear centre. Assume that the walls of the section are effective in
resisting shear stresses only while the booms, each of area 300 mm2,
carry all the direct stresses. Plot the shear flow diagram. (7)
(ii) Find the shear flow distribution in the channel section shown in
Figure using the delta P(Δ P) method. The same loads, cross section
dimensions, and assumptions, apply. (6)

1. L4 Analyze

The centroid location of the thin-walled angle section given in Figure

5 is (11.274mm, 5.2 mm) from corner 2. The section is subject to
vertical shear of 300 N. Determine expressions for the resulting shear
flow. Plot the shear flow pattern. Wall thickness is uniform and equal
to 1.25 mm.

2. L4 Analyze

A thin-walled Z-section with wall thickness 1 mm is indicated in

Figure. Obtain expressions for the shear flow distribution in A-B and
B-C when the given section is subject to shear force Vy = 1 kN. Plot
the resulting shear flow pattern.

3. L4 Analyze

The section indicated in Figure 4 is subject to Vy = 18 kN. Derive

4. and obtain expressions for shear flow in the horizontal and curved L4 Analyze
portions. Obtain and mark the shear centre position.
 Find the shear center location of the section shown in the Figure 12
(a). The webs are ineffective in bending and each concentrated area =
4 cm2. A load of 10 kN as vertical direction is applied through the
shear center. The skin thickness is constant and it is 2 mm throughout.
5. L4 Analyze

Derive an expression for shear flow of an open tube of any arbitrary

6. cross section subjected to shear loads Sx and Sy without twist and L4 Analyze
modify this expression for closed tube
An Angle section in fig. is subjected to Mx = 20 kNm and My =15
kNm. Find maximum bending stress.

7. L4 Analyze

Determine the shear flow and shear center for the section shown in
Figure. Section is subjected to a vertical shear load of 5 KN.

8. L4 Analyze

Determine the shear flow and shear center for the section shown in
Fig

9. L4 Analyze
 In the Figure, the portions AB and CD are equally inclined with
respect to the axis. Wall thickness is 2mm throughout. Determine the
shear flow pattern for a vertical load of 1500N applied through the
shear center.

10. L4 Analyze

Find the shear flow distribution and locate the shear center location
for the section shown in figure. For a vertical shear load of Sy = 50kN
acting through shear center. Area of all stringers is same which is
equal to 2cm2.

11. L4 Analyze

Find the shear flow distribution and location of shear center for the
12. thin-walled channel section subjected to a vertical load of 1500N L4 Analyze
whose thickness is 2mm, Flange width 30cm and web height 40cm.
PART – C
A doubly symmetrical I-section beam is reinforced by a flat plate
attached to the upper flange as shown in Fig. If the resulting
compound beam is subjected to a vertical shear load of 200 kN,
determine the distribution of shear stress in the portion of the cross
section that extends from the top of the plate to the neutral axis.
Calculate also the shear force per unit length of beam resisted by the
shear connection between the plate and the flange of the I-section
beam.

1. L4 Analyze
 A thin-webbed tapered beam is indicated in Figure 6. Obtain and
plot the shear flow distribution in the web at a section located 1 m
from the free-end. The web (t = 2 mm) is fully effective in
resisting bending.

1. L4 Analyze

2.

UNIT III – SHEAR FLOW IN CLOSED SECTIONS

BT
Q. No Question Competence
Level
PART – A
1. Explain structural idealization with a neat sketch. L2 Understanding
Calculate the twist of a thin-walled circular tube of mean radius 12
2. cm and wall thickness 2 mm subject to a pure torque of 640 Nm. Use L3 Apply
G = 35 GPa.
3. What does shear center position depend on? L1 Remembering
Give the S. I. units of shear flow and state the relationship between
4. L1 Remembering
shear flow and shear stress.
The shear center position for a thin-walled slit circular tube will:
i) Coincide with the centroid position
5. L2 Understanding
ii) Lie very close to the centroid of the section
iii) Be located outside the slit tube.
Show that torque due to shear flow in a constant shear flow thin web
6. L2 Understanding
is given by the expression T = 2 Aq.
7. Write the expression for shear flow in a single cell tube under torque. L1 Remembering
A curved web carries a constant shear flow ‘q’. Obtain the torque of
8. L2 Understanding
the shear flow about an arbitrary point ‘O’.
9. Give an example of a statically indeterminate thin-walled structure. L2 Understanding
A multi-cell thin-walled closed tube is said to be statically
10. L2 Understanding
indeterminate – explain why?
Find the shear flow in a circular tube subjected to a vertical shear
11. L2 Understanding
through its center and sketch the variation.
12. What are the assumptions made in Bredt-Batho analysis? L1 Remembering
Explain the procedure involved in analysis of two cells subjected to
13. L1 Remembering
torque?
14. Define Warping? L2 Understanding
Write the expression for angle of twist per unit length in a single cell
15. L1 Remembering
structure.
 To carry a load, monocoque is heavier than semi monocoque
16. L2 Understanding
construction. (True/False)
17. Explain how the torque is realized by an aircraft wing? L2 Understanding
18. Explain how a thin beam subjected to shear resists the load? L2 Understanding
PART – B
(i) Explain the procedure using which the shear center position of an
unsymmetrical multi-flange box beam section can be determined.
Assume that the webs are ineffective in bending. (6)
(ii) The closed section indicated in Figure 6 is subject to a 900 N
vertical shearing load through the shear center. Plot the resulting
shear flow and determine the shear center position. Assume that the
webs of the given section are ineffective in bending A =B =2cm2. (7)
1. L4 Analyze

Refer Figure. The section is subject to vertical shear Sy applied

through the shear centre. Make the initial cut in the curved web. Find
and plot the open section shear flow in terms of Sy. Next close the cut
and find the constant shear flow to be added, q0 Neatly plot the final
shear flow in terms of Sy. Find the shear centre distance e. Flange
areas 2,3 = 550 mm2 while flange areas 1,4 = 450 mm2. The webs of
the given section are assumed to be ineffective in bending.
2. L4 Analyze

The section indicated in Figure 2 is subject to a vertical shear force

1.2 kN acting through the shear centre. Obtain and plot the
3. L4 Analyze
resulting shear flow pattern. A, B, C, D = 2 cm2. Find the
horizontal distance between the shear center and point D.
The webs of the section indicated in Figure 5 are ineffective in
bending. The given section is subject to a vertical shear force 30 kN
acting through the shear centre. Obtain the shear flow pattern and find
the shear center location.

4. L4 Analyze
 Determine the shear flow pattern and the location of shear centre for a
three flange box beam as shown in Figure.

5. L4 Analyze

A two-cell closed structure shown in Figure 13(b) is subjected to a

clockwise torque of 5000 N-m. Wall thickness = 2.1 mm throughout.
compute the shear flow and the associated twist in the cell structure.

6. L4 Analyze

A multi cell structure shown in Fig. 3 is subjected to a clockwise

torque of 1000 N-m. Compute the shear flow in the cell structure
and the associated twist.

7. L4 Analyze

Obtain the shear flow for the box beam shown in Fig. 4. A1 = A5 =
25 cm2, A2 = A3 = A6 = A7 = 7 cm2 and A4 = A8 = 12cm2.

8. L4 Analyze

A multi-cell tube is subject to a pure torque. Derive from first

9. principles, the expression for the cell twist. Name the theory used and L4 Analyze
state all the assumptions involved.
Calculate the shear flow distribution in the wall of two cell tube
section shown in Figure when subjected to a torque of 10,000 N-cm.
10. Areas of cell 1 and cell 2 are given as 2580 cm2 and 3500 cm2 L4 Analyze
respectively. The length and thickness of each portion are given
below.
 Wall Length in cm Thickness in mm
abc 165 1.2
ac 50 2.0
cd, ea 75 1.2
de 35 1.5

Find the shear flow distribution for the cross section shown in Figure.
Given area of stringers a = a' = 2 cm²; b = b' = d = d' = 0.5 cm2; c = c'
= e = e' = 1 cm² and the thickness of ab=be=cd=de=a'b'=b'c'=c'd'=d'e'
= 3 mm.

11. L4 Analyze

Find the shear flow in all the webs of the closed single cell shown in
under a vertical load of 5000 N. Area of each boom is 4 cm².

12. L4 Analyze

Find the shear flow and twist per unit length of the two cell tube made
of aluminium as shown in figure and subjected to a torque 75000
Ncm.

13. L4 Analyze
 A two-cell structure shown in the figure 13 (a) is made up of
aluminum alloy is subjected to torque. Find the angle of twist of cell
for a length of 50 cm. Given Young's modulus of the material as 70
GPa.

14. L4 Analyze

Find the shear flow distribution for the cross section shown in Figure.
Given area of stringers a = a' = 2 cm²; b = b' = d = d' = 0.5 cm2; c = c'
= e = e' = 1 cm² and the thickness of ab=be=cd=de=a'b'=b'c'=c'd'=d'e'
= 0.03 cm.

15. L4 Analyze

i) Derive an expression for the twist in terms of shear flow in a closed

section subjected to a torque T
ii) A circular tube of radius 10 cm and thickness 2 mm is divided into
16. L4 Analyze
2 cells by a diametric web of 8 mm thick. Calculate the shear flow
and the value of Twist/unit length when it is subjected to a torque of
100 N-m.
Find the sheat flow distribution for the closed section shown in fig.

17. L4 Analyze

PART – C
A uniform thin-walled beam is circular in cross-section and has a
constant thickness of 2.5 mm. The beam is 2000 mm long, carrying
1. L4 Analyze
end torques of 450Nm and, in the same sense, a distributed torque
loading of 1.0Nm/mm. The loads are reacted by equal couples R at
 sections 500mm distant from each end (Fig).
Calculate the maximum shear stress in the beam and sketch the
distribution of twist along its length. Take G=30 000N/mm2 and
neglect axial constraint effects.

The thin-walled single cell beam shown in Fig. 20.11 has been
idealized into a combination of direct stress carrying booms and shear
stress only carrying walls. If the section supports a vertical shear load
of 10 kN acting in a vertical plane through booms 3 and 6, calculate
the distribution of shear flow around the section.
Boom areas: B1 =B8 =200mm2, B2 =B7 =250mm2, B3 =B6=400mm2,
B4 =B5 =100mm2.

2. L4 Analyze

Determine the shear flow distribution in the walls of the section

indicated in Fig. 1 when the given section is subject to a vertical
shearing force = 60 kN acting through the shear center of the section.
Areas A B C and D are 2 cm while AD 32 cm, AD = 12 cm, BC=24
cm. The webs of the section may be assumed to be ineffective in
bending.
3. L4 Analyze

Derive and obtain an expression for the cell twist when the section
given in Fig is subject to a pure torque T. The shear modulus of the
material used is 'G' while the wall thickness 't' is the same throughout.

4. L4 Analyze
 Find the shear flow distribution and locate the shear centre for the
section shown in Fig. Each of the stringers has an area of 4cm² and
the section is subjected to vertical shear of 50kN.

5. L4 Analyze

UNIT IV – BUCKLING OF PLATES

BT
Q. No Question Competence
Level
PART – A
1. What does the buckling mode of a thin plate depend upon? L2 Understanding
A thin plate in compression is indicated in Figure 1 below. Express
the deflected form of the plate using double trigonometric series
where the displacement in the z-direction is w.

2. L2 Understanding

In the elastic buckling of thin plates where the elastic plate buckling
3. formula is applicable, on what parameters does the buckling constant L2 Understanding
K depend on?
4. What is the delta P (∆P) method is used for? L2 Understanding
Write few sentences about effective width of a rectangular plate under
5. L2 Understanding
compression
Mention about the methods used to describe crippling strength of
6. L1 Remembering
rectangular panel under compression
Brief the buckling of sheets in shear and bending and sketch the mode
7. L1 Remembering
shapes.
Find the buckling stress for the plate. The panel dimensions are 30 cm
8. × 15 cm × 2 mm. All the edges are simply supported. The material L2 Understanding
used is 2024-T3. Given KC= 4.
9. Buckling refers to the phenomenon of ——————. L2 Understanding
Give the stress expressions for the plate when it is subjected to
10. L2 Understanding
compression, shear and bending.
 Give the stability criteria for the plate when it is subjected to
11. L2 Understanding
combined bending and compression, combined bending and shear
12. Explain buckling in shear for a sheet and sketch the mode shape. L2 Understanding
13. Describe the buckling modes of a thing walled section. L2 Understanding

14. Define stress ratio and write margin of safety in terms of stress ratio. L2 Understanding
Explain about the buckling of plates due to combined bending and
15. L2 Understanding
compression.
16. What is meant by sheet stiffener panel? L2 Understanding
Write the expression for margin of safety of a flat plate under
17. L2 Understanding
combined shear and longitudinal direct stress.
18. Summarize the application of Needham method. L2 Understanding
19. What are the possible failure modes of thin-walled structural columns L2 Understanding
PART – B
(i) Briefly differentiate between primary buckling and local buckling.
(3)
(ii) Where are thin-walled columns encountered in aircraft structures?
1. Write short notes on the local failure of such thin-walled columns. (5) L2 Understanding
(iii) Write down the formula of thin plate buckling and explain it.
Discuss methods of increasing the compressive load carrying ability
of thin plates. (5)
(i) Consider a plate subject to compression along the x-direction.
Write down the expression for the critical buckling load and state the
principle that was used for its determination. (4)
2. L3 Apply
(ii) Explain how the plate buckling coefficient is defined and
obtained. Sketch curves of the plate buckling coefficient versus plate
aspect ratio. (9)
Explain the behaviour of thin sheets under compression. How will the
3. stress distribution take place? What is effective sheet width and how L2 Understanding
can this width be determined?
Explain the Needham and Gerard methods for the determination of
4. L2 Understanding
crippling stress
Explain how Needham’s method is used to determine the crippling
stress for a thin-walled channel section. Using the same determine the
crippling stress for the section shown in Figure. Compressive yield
stress is 250 MPa and modulus of elasticity is 70 GPa. Thickness is 3
mm throughout.

5. L4 Analyze

Explain how Gerard’s method is used to determine the crippling

6. L4 Analyze
stress for a thin-walled channel section. Using the same determine the
 crippling stress for the section shown in Figure above Compressive
yield stress is 250 MPa and modulus of elasticity is 70 GPa.
Thickness is 3 mm throughout.
i) Differentiate between buckling and crippling and explain any one
method to determine crippling strength. (8)
7. L2 Understanding
ii) Explain the pure tension field and semi tension field beam analysis
and bring out their differences. (8)
Write notes on the following topics:
8. (i) Effective width of a thin stiffened sheet subject to compression (7) L2 Understanding
(ii) Strength of a thin-walled open section column. (6)
Describe the phenomenon of buckling of thin plates. Explain the
9. L2 Understanding
significance of the plate buckling coefficient ‘k’.
Using the concept of effective sheet width, explain how the
10. compressive failure strength of a thin stiffened panel can be L2 Understanding
estimated.
Explain the pure tension field and semi tension field beam analysis
11. L2 Understanding
and bring out their differences. (8)
PART – C
The sheet-stringer panel shown in Fig is loaded in compression. The
sheet is assumed to be simply-supported at the loaded ends and along
the rivet lines, but free at the sides. Each-stringer has an area of 0.7
cm2. E = 70 GPa for the sheet and stringer material. Panel-length is
1m. Find the total compressive load carried under the following
conditions: (16)
(i) when the sheet first buckles.
1. (ii) when the stringer stress is 200 MPa. L4 Analyze
How can the ultimate load carrying capability of this sheet-stringer
panel be estimated?

i) Differentiate between primary and secondary buckling. (3)

(ii) Explain how the strength of a given thin-walled column can be
increased without changing the column dimensions. (3)
2. (iii) Estimate the column strength of a 3 m long column whose cross- L4 Analyze
section is the same as shown in Fig.2. On both of the end faces of the
column the support condition is simply-supported along AB, BC, and
CD. The edges containing point A and D may be taken as free. (10)
Derive and obtain an expression for the buckling stress of a
3. rectangular sheet subject to compression in the x-direction. State the L3 Apply
assumptions used.
 UNIT V – STRESS ANALYSIS OF WING AND FUSELAGE
Q. BT
Question Competence
No Level
PART – A
1. Define proof load and ultimate load in aircraft design L2 Understanding
2. List a few materials used in the construction of modern aircraft. L2 Understanding
State the range of maximum positive allowable load factor ‘n’ for a
3. L2 Understanding
passenger aircraft.
A typical aircraft wing under steady level flight conditions will
normally undergo (symmetrical bending without
4. L2 Understanding
twisting/unsymmetrical bending and twisting/symmetrical bending
and twisting).
5. What is diagonal tension field beam? L2 Understanding
List two functions of aircraft spar. Which cross section you prefer
6. L1 Remembering
for a stringer?
7. Explain with neat sketches, shear flow around a multi cell structure. L1 Remembering
8. Describe the semi-cantilever type of aircraft wing. L2 Understanding
9. Define gust loads. L2 Understanding
Explain the difference between complete tension and semi tension
10. L2 Understanding
field beam.
11. What is meant by Wagner beam? L2 Understanding
12. Define Load Factor? L2 Understanding
13. Write short notes on Wagner’s beam theory? L2 Understanding
During steady level flight, an aircraft wing will be subject to
(a) bending and shear
14. (b) bending, torsion and shear L2 Understanding
(c) bending alone.
Select the right option.
List the structural parts of an aircraft fuselage and name their
15. L2 Understanding
functions
16. What is meant by V-n Diagram? L2 Understanding
17. What is Schrenk’s curve and where it is used L2 Understanding
18. What is meant by semi tension field beam theory L2 Understanding
List any major structural elements on an aircraft wing with their
19. L2 Understanding
functions.
PART – B
Explain the construction and significance of the aircraft flight
1. envelope or V-n diagram. State typical load factor limits for different L2 Understanding
aircraft types.
(i) What are the types of loads that an aircraft is subject to – classify
and explain these loads. Sketch and indicate how these loads act on
an aircraft. (7)
2. L2 Understanding
(ii) Sketch a typical spanwise lift distribution for a wing-fuselage
combination. How are shear force and bending moment diagrams
constructed for an aircraft wing? (6)
i) Categorize the different loads acting on an aircraft and give
3. L2 Understanding
examples. (7)
 ii) Explain Schrenk’s method of estimating the lift distribution over
an aircraft wing. (6)
A thin-webbed tapered beam is indicated in Figure 6. Obtain and
plot the shear flow distribution in the web at a section located 1 m
from the free-end. The web (t = 2 mm) is fully effective in
resisting bending.

4. L4 Analyze

i) List out the different structural elements contained in an aircraft

semi- monocoque wing. What are their functions? Draw the wing
diagram neatly. (7)
ii) Discuss the cantilever type of aircraft wing for a transport aircraft
shown in Figure 15. (a) (ii) to find moment distribution. (Model the
wing). (6)

5. L4 Analyze

The tapered beam shown in Figure 15. (b) (i) is subjected to a

vertical load V
i) Derive an expression for shear flow at any point in the web of the
beam. (7)
ii) Obtain the shear flow distribution when V= 10,000 N. (6)

6. L4 Analyze

List down various loads acting on aircraft during different flight

7. maneuvers. Draw the flight envelope/V-n diagram and indicate L2 Understanding
salient points in the diagram.
 Describe how the shear force and bending moment diagrams for
8. L2 Understanding
wing and fuselage are defined.
(i) Explain Wagner beam. (8)
9. L2 Understanding
(ii) Explain lift load distribution on a cantilever wing. (8)
Draw the shear force and bending moment diagram on an aircraft
wing if the lift load distribution is approximated by a trapezoidal
10. L2 Understanding
variation. Also draw Schrenk's curve and give the expression for
maximum shear force and bending moment.
Discuss in brief about the following:
i) V- n Diagram
11. ii) Gust Load L2 Understanding
iii) Semi tension Field beam theory

Differentiate, between shear resistance beams and tension field

12. beams. (8) L2 Understanding
Discuss the analysis of a semi-cantilever type of aircraft wing. (8)
What are the functions of various structural components of aircraft?
13. Bring out the salient factors with regard to stress analysis in wing L2 Understanding
and fuselage.
PART – C
A Wagner beam of length 1200 mm, fixed as a cantilever is
subjected to a tip load of 5 kN. The depth of the beam is 400 mm and
the stiffener spacing is 300 mm. The cross-section areas of the
flanges and stiffeners are 350 mm2 and 300 mm2 respectively. The
1. elastic section modulus of each flange is 750 mm3, the thickness of L4 Analyze
the web is 2 mm and the second moment of area of a stiffener about
an axis in the plane of the web is 200 mm4. Determine the maximum
stress in a flange and also whether the stiffeners will buckle or not. B
= 70000 N/mm2.
Explain in detail about Tension field web beams. (6)
2. ii) Explain in detail the construction of shear force and bending L2 Understanding
moment diagrams for the aircraft wing. (10)
What are the various loads that an aircraft fuselage and wings are
3. L2 Understanding
subjected to? Discuss them in brief.
Find the Margin of Safety for the box beam shown in Figure given:
P1 = 12 kN and P2 = 10kN. Area of each stringer = 3 cm2 and the
sheet thickness is 2 mm throughout. Assume the sheets are effective
in bending and made of 2024-T3 Aluminum alloy. For a/b = 2, Kc
=5, Ks = 6.5 and for a/b =3, Kc = 4, Ks = 5.8.

4. L4 Analyze
 The beam shown in Fig. 9.12 is assumed to have a complete tension
field web. If the cross-sectional areas of the flanges and stiffeners
are, respectively, 350mm2 and 300mm2 and the elastic section
modulus of each flange is 750mm3, determine the maximum stress in
a flange and also whether or not the stiffeners will buckle. The
thickness of the web is 2mm, and the second moment of area of a
stiffener about an axis in the plane of the web is 2000mm4; E = 70
000N/mm2.

5. L4 Analyze

END