UWE Bristol Engineering showcase 2015

Joshua Aaron Philip George
M.Eng Aerospace Design Engineering
Automated Analysis of an Idealized Wing
Project Supervisor
Dr. Rui Cardoso
The ultimate aim of this investigation is to produce a spectrum of automated code using the Matrix Displacement
Method. The high-level technical computing language ‘MATLAB’ will be used to assimilate generalised Finite
Element methodology for: 2D rod, 3D rod, 3D Truss, and 3D shell structures. The results should demonstrate a
systematic approach to building a code and clearly identify weaknesses. A study will be investigated into the
effectiveness of the code in comparison with previous works and apply the code with examples from text books
to assure precision.
Structural design encompasses the systematic analysis of stability, strength
and rigidity of a structure. Harmonising operational requirements with
vigorous regulatory safeguards is one of the many challenges engineers face,
where often iterative design optimizations are coupled with costly side
effects. These manifest not only in monetary terms but effectiveness in
fulfilling the design criterion.
The development of the code demonstrated a systematic approach and
weaknesses were identified and developed upon at each stage.
The 2D Truss script proved highly effective in terms of accuracy, with the
greatest deviation of error amounting to 0.0712%.
The Space Truss script achieved as good as 0.0664% margin of error,
though the weakest analysis amounted 5.231%. Deviation for this was
unfounded as this was anomalous in comparison to the rest of results
achieved, by a factor of 2 to the next weakest result realised.
Personal Goals
• Demonstrate theories and concepts presented in the advanced study
in Aerospace Design Engineering
• Achieve holistic knowledge of Finite Element Methods/Analysis and
computer programming language using MATLAB; leading to practical
implications and constraints
• Exhibit a rigorous independent investigation with definition, design
and delivery
• Develop strategic project management techniques
Detailed in this research is a development of finite
element applications, using the technical computer
language MATLAB. The methodology adopted was
that of the matrix displacement method, which is
most suited for this particular type of programme. A
preliminary investigation was conducted to exercise
procedural finite element methods and convey
meaning by abstract and succinct code and the
main research developed a tool that can be applied
to an idealized wing box with rod elements and
shear panels. The environment allowed for data to
be called on from Microsoft Excel and
autonomously interpreted by the MATLAB script.
Due to irregularity of material behaviour caused by
unforeseeable circumstances or manufacturing,
physical testing will almost always prove to be the
most reliable source for analysis. Practical
experimentation is validation in itself, numerical
tools compliment examination and relieve the
frequency in which practical investigation must be
conducted, saving time and money
The research carried out in this report (Part B) is focused on Finite Element
methodology, construction of a structural analysis code for 2D rod, 3D rod &
3D Truss, and 3D shell structures. Some information presented in Part A has
been used to support some concepts discussed that would be beneficial to
the reader for grasping a better understanding and condemn the sole use of
this research (Part B) valuable in its entirety