After successful completion of the course, students are able to:

• design structures from the perspective of lightweight construction in such a way that they have the lowest possible mass when fulfilling the requirements for their use based on the fundamentals of strength of materials, machine elements, materials science and engineering design. Students are thus able to
• list lightweight construction measures and describe typical lightweight construction methods
• deal with the fundamentals of stress analysis as well as basic and lightweight-relevant aspects of classical plasticity theory
• calculate stress states in homogeneous and inhomogeneous bending beams with elastic material behavior as well as residual stress states in homogeneous bending beams with elastoplastic material behavior, when loaded beyond the elastic limit
• estimate the fatigue behavior of cyclically inelastically  loaded structures using Melan's shake down theorem
• evaluate materials for their suitability for lightweight design
• describe the technological basics of fiber-reinforced plastics
• analyze multilayer composite shells made of fiber composite materials using the simplified laminate theory
• explain the simplifying assumptions of the shear web theory to apply this theory to strength analysis of orthogonally stiffened thin-walled structures
• calculate stresses and deformations  in rod-shaped, thin-walled lightweight constructions with open and closed profile cross-sections under transverse loading and torsion
• apply the force and the  displacement method to statically indeterminate, linear elastic lightweight constructions
• explain the difference between a continuous system and a system discretized with Ritz approach and to apply the Ritz method
• describe different types of loss of stability of equilibrium loss using load-displacement diagrams of specific lightweight constructions and evaluate the influence of imperfections and post-buckling behavior
• explain instabilities on different length scales
• describe the stability behavior of thin-walled lightweight structures (bars, plates, shells) and perform stability analyses
• tell the principles, designs  and fields of application of sandwich constructions as well as their advantages and disadvantages
• explain forms of stability loss of sandwich panels and to determine corresponding critical loads
• provide an overview of the principles of linear elastic fracture mechanics for monotonic and cyclic loads and to carry out analyses of components containing cracks with regard to fracture and crack propagation.

• Applications and measures of Lightweight Design
• Lightweight construction methods
• Lightweight-relevant fundamental methods of stress analysis including basic aspects of the classical plasticity theory
• Materials for light weight structures and their properties (especially composite materials and compounds)
• Lightweight idealization concepts for shear webs and thin walled slender lightweight constructions
• Force and the  displacement method
• Methods of the stability analysis of light weight structures e.g. beams, trusses, shells
• Sandwich structures
• Basic principles of linear elastic fracture mechanics

Lecture: Frontal presentation with slides. The subject matter is explained on the basis of real show pieces, videos, experiments. Additional notes and explanations are discussed on the board.
Tutorial: the methods of lightweight design are applied to on practice relevant examples. Exercises on the current contents are handed out, the solutions of whichare prepared and presented by the students in the following practice session. In addition, to refresh the fundamentals needed in lightweight construction at the beginning of the semester, two LVA units are offered: "Grundlagenauffrischung Teil 1 & Teil 2".

The course notes for lectures and tutorials can be downloaded  in TISS (only for personal use!) in the end of September. Additional parts of the script will be made available online in TISS during the semester.

The grading of this course is based on an accompanying performance evaluation of written tasks for the practical application of the subject matter as well as written questions on the theory in the context of colloquia.
2 colloquia with corresponding substitute colloquia will be offered. The LVA is considered positively completed if the total number of points achieved from both colloquia is at least 20 out of a total of 40 points. Participation in the substitute colloquia is intended for those students who were unable to attend the corresponding regular colloquium (ill) or were assessed negatively (less than 20 points).

At each colloquium, the examination papers for the theory are handed out first. Neither documents nor electronic aids are permitted to answer these questions. After the theoretical exams have been submitted, the practical calculation examples will be distributed. You can use your own notes from the lectures and exercises as well as paper printouts of the scripts and printed literature to work on these. If documents other than the scripts are used, this must be documented in the written examination by means of a citation.
The use of pocket calculators - without a combination with the electronic devices listed below - is permitted when working on the practical calculation examples. The use of the internet as well as the use of mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops and other electronic means of communication during the colloquia is prohibited!

The total number of points can be changed by -1 to +2 points by working out and presenting examples of homework. The prerequisite for the crediting of these points is that the total number of points from both colloquia is greater than or equal to 20. By adding negative points, a positive result due to the colloquia cannot become negative. The elaboration takes place in groups of 3-4 students, depending on the number of participants.

Students who have successfully completed the written part 1 of the lightweight Design VU or Analytical Methods in Lighhtweight Design VU before the winter semester 22/23 can take the missing theoretical part of the examination in a separate written theoretical examination. Dates are given in TISS.

Registration for the colloquia and for the written theoretical examination in TISS is required. If you do not unsubscribe on time (up to two days before the respective date), you will be blocked for the following 8 weeks!

If the exams are held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the guidelines specified by the Rectorate apply.

The Manuscripts of  both lecture parts will be available in TISS in the end of September.

Knowledge in solid mechanics