SPACE STRUCTURES
Course objectives
Define the role of space structures within space systems (eg satellites, launchers). Describe the mechanical environment of space missions. Provide the fundamental elements for the static and dynamic analysis of space structures. Describe and analyze the behavior of spatial shell structures and laminated structures in composite material. Acquire the basic principles of the Finite Element Method, its application and the use of calculation programs based on the method itself. Introduce the design of space structures in the context of the design of space systems of their development from conception to operational phase up to their disposal to avoid the production of space debris.
Channel 1
MICHELE PASQUALI
Lecturers' profile
Program - Frequency - Exams
Course program
- Functions and properties of space structures and related materials
- Introduction to space mission and systems
- Design and analysis of space structures
- Finite element metod
- Plate theory
- Analysis of composite structures
- Thermal analysis of structures
Prerequisites
- Aerospace Constructions
- Structural and Solids Mechanics
- Mathematical Models in Mechanics
- Metal and Composite Aerospace Structural Technologies
Books
Class notes provided by the teacher
Frequency
Lectures are conducted in presence, and they are frontal. The attendance to the lectures is not mandatory
Exam mode
The final exam will be oral with a discussion of the arguments of the program. During the course the student will produce the following Homeworks:
- Teamwork study of a space mission
- Homework on mechanical and thermal properties of aerospace materials
- Homework on the design of a structural component of a launcher
- Homework on the design of a structural component of a satellite
- Homework on the Finite Element Method
- Homework on the composite plate theory
MARCO EUGENI
Lecturers' profile
Program - Frequency - Exams
Course program
- Functions and properties of space structures and related materials
- Introduction to space mission and systems
- Design and analysis of space structures
- Finite element metod
- Plate theory
- Analysis of composite structures
- Thermal analysis of structures
Prerequisites
- Costruzioni Aerospaziali
- Meccanica dei Solidi e delle Strutture
- Modelli Matematici per la Meccanica
- Tecnologia delle strutture aerospaziali metalliche e in composito
Books
Class notes provided by the teacher
Frequency
Lectures are conducted in presence and they are frontal. The attendance to the lectures is not mandatory.
Exam mode
The final exam will be oral with a discussion of the arguments of the program. During the course the student will produce the following Homeworks:
1- Teamwork study of a space mission
2- Homework on mechanical and thermal properties of aerospace materials
3- Homework on the design of a structural component of a launcher
4- Homework on the design of a structural component of a satellite
5- Homework on the Finite Element Method
6- Homework on the composite plate theory
- Lesson code10606119
- Academic year2025/2026
- CourseSpace and astronautical engineering
- CurriculumSpace transportation (Percorso formativo valido anche per coloro che partecipano al percorso internazionale Italo-statunitense finalizzato al conseguimento del doppio titolo con Georgia Institute of Technology o Georgia Tech Europe)
- Year1st year
- Semester2nd semester
- SSDING-IND/04
- CFU9