Online Course Catalog

This course will introduce the concepts, structural design, and fundamental structural mechanics of space systems including launch vehicles (i.e., rockets) and spacecraft structures. The materials used in these space structures will also be briefly discussed. This course will cover thin-walled structures (e.g., plates, stiffened shells, cylindrical shells) for the topics in launch vehicle structures and will focus on deployable structures for spacecraft structures. The topics related to deployable structures will include a broad set of designs ranging from rigid pin-jointed trusses and plates to foldable and flexible structures and inflatable membranes. This course will integrate the current advances in spacecraft structures R&D into the instruction through traditional lectures, in-class making/folding of paper model structures, hands-on projects, literature reviews, and guest lectures. All the hands-on activities planned in this course will only use commonly available materials such as print paper and online students can participate in these activities.

3 or 4 hours

AE 323.

• Aerospace Engineering