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The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Hong Kong Community College

Subject Description Form

Subject Code CCN2291

Subject Title Aircraft Materials

Level 2

Credit Value 3

Medium of

Instruction

English

Pre-requisite /

Co-requisite/

Exclusion

Nil

Objectives

This subject equips students with fundamental knowledge that is

necessary for the understanding of the physical properties of different

kinds of material commonly used in aircraft construction. It provides the

engineering, safety and environmental issues in selecting materials based

on business and technological drivers. Studying the subject will help

develop student’s interpretations of different aircraft materials from

metals, polymers, ceramics and composites in minimising manufacturing

and operating costs and improving aircraft performance while reducing

environmental impact.

Intended Learning

Outcomes

Upon completion of the subject, students will be able to:

(a) describe the engineering, safety and environmental requirements in

applying materials in aircraft construction.

(b) summarise the mechanical, functional, manufacturing and

operational behaviour of different kinds of materials.

(c) perform engineering and business analysis of the appropriate use of

aircraft materials.

(d) apply relevant material knowledge to the selection of the correct

materials for aircraft repair job demands.

Subject Synopsis/

Indicative Syllabus

Operation Requirement of Aircraft Materials

Airframe: shape, structure and weight; Cabin & Interior: comfort, design

and safety; Powertrain: thrust, temperature and corrosion.

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Types of Aircraft Materials

Metals: steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, copper and nickel alloys;

Polymers: thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomors; Ceramics,

Composites: reinforced plastics, metal matrices.

Properties of Aircraft Materials

Mechanical Properties: yield, strength, ductility, hardness; Physical &

chemical Properties: density, phases, thermal, corrosion; Electrical

Properties: conductivity, magnetic.

Economical Aspects

Material, manufacturing, maintenance and environmental costs.

Teaching/Learning

Methodology

Lectures focus on the knowledge of the aircraft materials engineering,

processing in order to evaluate their service performance with specific

reference to safety and economic issues. Group discussions and work

would be arranged to enable team work and communications among

students.

Laboratories provide students with opportunities to acquire procedural

knowledge and cooperation abilities on material testing and fabrication

processes relating to their understanding of the concepts taught in

lectures.

Assessment

Methods in

Alignment with

Intended Learning

Outcomes

A variety of assessment tools will be used to develop and assess students’

achievement of the subject intended learning outcomes.

Specific assessment

methods/tasks

%

weighting

Intended subject learning

outcomes to be assessed

a b c d

Continuous

Assessment*

70

Assignment 1 25

Assignment 2 25

Test 20

Final Examination 30

Total 100

*Continuous assessment items and/or weighting may be adjusted by the subject

team subject to the approval of the College Programme Committee.

To pass this subject, students are required to obtain Grade D or above in

both the Continuous Assessment and Final Examination.

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Student Study

Effort Expected

Class contact Hours

Lecture 26

Laboratory 13

Other student study effort

Self-study 30

Continuous Assessment 61

Total student study effort 130

Reading List and

References

Recommended Textbook

Ashby, Michael., Shercliff, Hugh., & Cebon, David. (2013). Materials –

Engineering, Science, Processing and Design. (3rd ed.), Elsevier.

References

Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook (2008). Chapter 5: Aircraft

materials, Processes and Hardware, US Federal Aviation Administration.

Budinshki, Kenneth G., & Budisnshi, Michael K., (2009). Engineering

Materials – Properties and Selection, 9th Ed., Prentice Hall.

Wikinson, Ray., (2009). Aircraft Structures and Systems. (3rd

ed.),

MechAero.

National Research Council, (1995) Improved Fire and Smoke Resistance

Materials for Commercial Aircraft Interiors – A Proceedings, National

Academy Press.