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DEVELOPMENT OF SOFTWARE USING VISUAL

BASIC FOR LEARNING AEROSPACE STRUCTURES
THEORY

Conference Paper · April 2006

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Research Paper

DEVELOPMENT OF SOFTWARE USING VISUAL BASIC FOR

LEARNING AEROSPACE STRUCTURES THEORY
Farrukh Mazhar a, Abdul Munem Khan b, Irfan Aziz c and Omar Bashir

a Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Aeronautical Engineering, National University of Science and
Technology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
b Department of Aerospace Engineering, College of Aeronautical Engineering, National University of Science and
Technology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
c Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan.
d Department of Avionics Engineering, College of Aeronautical Engineering, National University of Science and
Technology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Abstract
Last Century had seen remarkable changes in the field of Science and Technology;
particularly computers. Computer is no doubt the biggest ever invention of mankind.
Advancements in the field of software industry has brought into many revolutionary changes in
the field of computers. Today, the most developments are being done in the field of
transformation of engineering concepts into software form. The requirement of simple and easy
learnable software was always felt at the undergraduate level at CAE (NUST College of
Aeronautical Engineering, Risalpur, Pakistan), for better understanding / application of the course
contents in structures specialty. To meet these requirements, authors have developed FARST
(Farrukh’s Structural Tool) software that can be described as “Computer-based Learning Tool”.
Students can use this tool to understand and analyze basic and medium level aircraft structures
®
problems. The computer code is written in Visual Basic . This language is selected for its user-
friendly environment and easy to use Graphical user interface (GUI).

Keywords: Structures, Software, Computer-based Learning Tool, Aircraft Structures

1. List of symbols desired to have a software, which can

introduce the basic concepts of Structures,
A Area and perform lengthy calculations in a much
C Constant smaller time at undergraduate level.
®
E Modulus of Elasticity FARST can be briefly described as
I Moment of Inertia “Computer-based Learning Tool”, able to
M Moment compute and analyze basic and medium
P Force level aircraft structures; covering the
T Temperature structural aspects of the course contents at
® ©
X Displacement in X axis CAE. FARST is written in Visual Basic .
©
Y Displacement in Y axis Visual Basic language is selected for its
Z Displacement in Z axis user-friendly environment and enhanced
α Coefficient of Thermal Expansion Graphical user interface (GUI) control.
σ Stress
* Modulus Weighted Property 2.1 Selection of Programming Language
Initially, FARST codes were planed to
2. Introduction be written in FORTRAN which, however, did
This is computer era. Integration of not provide user friendly GUI. Also, the user
theoretical concepts into software is the had to provide several data files whose
need of today. Extensive mathematical format was not always intuitive and their
calculations in engineering design / analysis preparation was sometimes tedious. The
have asked for an enormous requirement of novice user would find this task rather
engineering softwares to facilitate and daunting and may have discouraged him
reduce the workload. Same was the aim from using the software altogether. Thus,
behind this paper. It has always been the need for a user interface became

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10 National Aeronautical Conference 20-21 April, 2006 PAF Academy Risalpur 101
Research Paper
apparent. Asking a software developer to
add a GUI application in a commonly
accepted form to avoid many of the above
®
described difficulties. Hence, in FARST
®
software development, Visual Basic found
to be more helpful and dynamic as far as the
simplicity and user friendly nature is
®
concerned. Moreover, Visual Basic proved
to be excellent in the development of GUI. In
®
FARST all data is inputted and displayed
through the GUI environment and plotted in
two-dimensional graphical format, wherever
required.
2.2 FARST’s Aim.
®
FARST is developed, with the following
aims in mind:-
(a) To develop a software to facilitate the
computational facilities at CAE.
(b) To cover the structural aspects of the
course. Enable students to familiarize
themselves with the modern computational
facilities.
(c) The software has to be as user-friendly
as possible and should be able to cover all
the aspects of modern computational
software.
(d) The software should be robust and
multi-dimensional. It should have a wide
spectrum of application and potential for
subsequent development.
(e) Gives flexibility to the user in terms of
material, geometry, loads selection so that
they can study as well as understand their
impact on the results and ultimately assists
them in subsequent design process in the
longer run.
2.3 Application.
®
FARST is capable to perform the
following tasks:-.
(a) It can analyze simplified or medium
complex structures, used in aircraft
constructions like skin panels, fuselage
cells, wing sections and other similar
structures.
(b) It can analyze the affect of longitudinal
stresses, compression forces, bending
moments, and thermal loading on all such
structures.
(c) The calculations are performed by
dividing the structure into longitudinal
members, and nodes for simplicity.
(b) Performs lengthy calculations on such
structures in seconds with reliable results
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10 National Aeronautical Conference
and therefore helps in structural level
understanding / diagnostics.
(d) It also displays step-wise results as well
as graphical representation of the results for
ease of comprehension.
®
2.4 Sequence of Development of FARST
Following sequence is followed during
®
the course of FARST development;
(a) Understanding of the Course material.
®
(b) Learning of Visual Basic programming
[4], [5] and [6].
(c) Integrating theoretical concepts in
®
FARST in the form of code and GUI
development [4], [5] and [6]. .
®
3. Theoretical Aspects of FARST
®
FARST deals with application of the
theory /analysis of bending / extensions of
the beams and structures.
The theory of elasticity results into
partial differential equations and the solution
to these equations exists only for a relatively
few cases. Approximate solution can be
found by the Rayleigh-Ritz or Finite
Difference methods; but such computations
®
are very lengthy and intricate. FARST is
therefore, based upon concepts given in
references [1] and [2], a brief introduction is
given in the following paragraphs.
3.1. Stress Resultants.
Assume that the force and moment
resultants of the stress are acting upon the
cross sections of the beam, as shown in the
figure 1. The stresses on the differential
area dA at point B with co-ordinates (x, y, z)
are xx, xy, and xz. The resultant of these
stresses on the cross section consists of a
force and a moment, whose components are
axial component P, and shear components
Vy and Vz, and the moment components are
tortional moment Mt, and bending moments
My, and Mz, which are about axes their
parallel axes. The outcome of all calculation
comes out to be following equation (the
detailed equations development may found
out as given in reference [1]):-
E P * M z * I yy * M y * I yz * M y * I zz * M z * I yz *
xx y z
E1 A * I yy * I zz * ( I yz *)2 I yy * I zz * ( I yz *)2
3.2. Modulus Weighted Section properties
The coordinates of modulus -weighted
centroid are given as:-
20-21 April, 2006 PAF Academy Risalpur 102
Research Paper

Which reduces to (g) The coordinate of centroid are

1 n (20.90in and 5.215in).
yo * y i 0 Ai * (h) The values of the moment of inertia
A* i 1
n
about different axes are ;
1 4
Ixx*= 4.247E+2 in ,
zo * z io Ai * 4
A* i 1 Iyy*= 7.063E+3 in ,
4
Also Ixy= -4.705E+2 in
n
Ei 2
I * yo yo ( I y y oi z i Ai ) The equivalent thermal loads are
i 1 E1
P* = P + PT = 6.943E+5 lb.
n
Ei 2 Mx*=Mx + MxT= 1.445E+6 in-lb
I * zo zo ( I z zoi yi Ai )
i 1 E1 My*=My + MyT= 1.146E+5 in-lb
n
Ei
I * yo z o ( I y zoi z i yi Ai ) The constants are
i 1 E1 C1= 3.863E-3
And C2= -2.622E-5
I yy * I yo yo * ( zo *)2 A * C3= -3.693E-4

I zz * I zo zo * ( y o *) 2 A * The value of xx/E is given as

I yz * I yo zo * z o * y o * A xx/E = C1 +C2xI+C3yI - T

The detailed results are given in table 1

3.3 Buckling and Principal Force calculation
®
The second part of FARST deals with
the calculation of critical force of Buckling
and calculation of stress resultants in
principal and oblique planes from equations
given in [1], [2] and [3].
4. Solved Example
The figure 2 is a simplified representation
and table 2. It may be highlighted that the
results are verified to be accurate to almost
double in accuracy as compared to manual
calculations or calculations done by Excel
spreadsheet; since the code is programmed
using double precision (64 bits long)
numerals.
5. Organization of FARST
®

of the construction used in the aerodynamic

surfaces of flight vehicles. The beam is 5.1. Introduction
subjected to the temperature and a bending FARST software consists of three major
6
moment of 10 in-lb. parts as:
The assumption is that the compression (a) Shell Stress Analysis (Core of the
skin remains unbuckled. To simplify the software)
calculation the structure is idealized into (b) Buckling Analysis
longitudinals that carry only axial stresses (c) Principal Forces calculation
and webs that sustain only shear stresses.
The skin and spar webs are divided into 5.2. Splash Screen. The first screen of
segments and lumps the area of each FARST is following splash screen.
segment at its centroid (fig 3). A large
number of segments are to obtain a good 5.3. Title page. It is the menu selection
approximation of the moment of inertia with screen, giving three options to the user:-
this method. The various inputs to the (a) Main Menu
structure are: (b) Tutorial
(a) The coefficient of thermal expansion is (c) Exit
o
1.26E-5 F
(b) The initial temperature of the structure 5.4. Main Menu. It gives following choices to
o
is 70 F the user based upon the type of analysis.
(c) The external load is zero. (a) Shell Stress Analysis
(d) The moment about x-axis is 1E6 in-lb. (b) Buckling Analysis
(e) The moment about Y axis is zero. (c) Principal Force
2
(f) The net area A*= 1.797E+1 in .

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10 National Aeronautical Conference 20-21 April, 2006 PAF Academy Risalpur 103
Research Paper
5.5. Input Form. It selects the no of nodes of
the structure (limit is 20 nodes).
5.6. Data Input Forms. It enables the user to
input coordinal data along with applied
forces.
5.7. Result Form. It displays the final
resultant stresses at each node. Step by
step results of calculation along with the plot
of structure can also be displayed using
following options:-
(a) Detailed Analysis
(b) Plot
(c) Back
5.8. Detailed Analysis Form. It displays the
step by step calculation results.
5.9. Buckling Analysis. It calculates the
critical force of buckling to buckle a beam as
per end conditions.
5.10. Principal Forces. It calculates the
principal stresses and stresses in oblique
plane.
6. Conclusion
In this paper, the integrated software
®
FARST (Farrukh Structural Tool) has been
presented that enables the user to develop
an understanding of medium advanced
aircraft structures analysis. As over the
period of time a dire need of a software was
felt which can familiarize the students with
the computational / analytical aspects of the
course, since the equations involved are
very complex and intricate and to solve a
single problem number of classes would be
required leaving behind the analytical
aspects untouched. For practical utility of the
conceptual approach of the course contents,
it is deemed necessary that a GUI interface
to be designed to enable the handling of
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10 National Aeronautical Conference
massive amounts of data inputs and
graphical displays of output. In particular,
®
the GUI presented for the FARST program,
has been written in an object-oriented format
®
using Microsoft Visual Basic Language.
®
Microsoft Visual Basic was chosen since it
is powerful and flexible and produces an
interface with the familiar Windows look and
feel.
®
Although detailed code of FARST was
not presented in this paper due to limited
space, however, the software was tested for
several problems and results obtained were
also authenticated manually and using
®
Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, validating
software’s double-precision accuracy; since
code is programmed using double precision
(64 bits long) numerals.
Like all other software this effort is not
the end and there is still a lot of room for
future growth and development in FARST, in
terms of its course contents coverage as
well as applications.
7. References
[1] Rivello, Robert M., “Theory and Analysis
of Flight Structure”, McGraw-Hill, 1969.
[2] Higdon, Archie, “Mechanics of
Materials”, John Willie & Sons, 1985.
[3] Coultas, H. W., “Theory of Structures”,
Pitman and Sons Ltd., 1963.
[4] Michelle Moore, “Learn Visual Basic
®
Today”, IDG Books, 1995.
[5] Cornell, Gary, “Visual Basic
®
for
Windows Handbook”, McGraw-Hill, 1993.
[6] Petroutsos, Evangelos, “Mastering
Visual Basic
®
6”, Sybex
Computer Books, 1998,
20-21 April, 2006 PAF Academy Risalpur 104
Research Paper

Fig: 2 Actual Structure on the top and

Fig: 1 Stresses and Stress resultants on a idealized structure at the bottom
beam cross section

Fig: 3 Idealization of a web

Node Ai Xcood Ycood T E/E* A* Ax Ay Asqx Asqy Axy X Y Tt

in2 xi in yi in 0
F in2 in3 in3 in4 in5 in6 in in 0
F
1 3 0 12 300 0.95 2.85 0 34 0 410.4 0 -20.94 6.78 230
2 0.49 0 9.47 275 0.96 0.47 0 4.5 0 42.186 0 -20.94 4.25 205
3 0.49 0 2.54 275 0.96 0.47 0 1.2 0 3.0348 0 -20.94 -2.67 205
4 2.5 0 0 375 0.92 2.3 0 0 0 0 0 -20.94 -5.21 305
5 1.09 5.07 0 500 0.8 0.872 4.4 0 22.41 0 0 -15.87 -5.21 430
6 1.09 18.93 0 500 0.8 0.872 17 0 312.5 0 0 -2.011 -5.21 430
7 1.09 29.7 0 475 0.83 0.905 27 0 798 0 0 8.75 -5.21 405
8 1.09 42.93 0 475 0.83 0.905 39 0 1667 0 0 21.98 -5.21 405
9 1.5 48 0 325 0.94 1.41 68 0 3249 0 0 27.05 -5.21 255
10 0.22 48 1.27 250 0.97 0.213 10 0.3 491.7 0.3442 13 27.05 -3.94 180
11 0.22 48 4.73 250 0.97 0.213 10 1 491.7 4.7744 48.5 27.05 -0.48 180
12 2 48 6 300 0.95 1.9 91 11 4378 68.4 547 27.05 0.78 230
13 1.23 42.93 6.63 350 0.93 1.144 49 7.6 2108 50.282 326 21.98 1.418 280
14 1.23 29.07 8.37 350 0.93 1.144 33 9.6 966.7 80.138 278 8.12 3.15 280
15 1.23 18.93 9.63 375 0.92 1.132 21 11 405.5 104.94 206 -2.01 4.41 305
16 1.23 5.07 11.37 375 0.92 1.132 5.7 13 29.09 146.29 65.2 -15.87 6.15 305

Table 1 : Detailed Resultant (Part :A)

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Research Paper

T E T E TA E TAx E TAy in-lb C2x C3y xx/E xx

psi lb in-lb psi
2.90E-03 2.89E+04 86722.6 -1816097.5 588719.68 0.000525 -0.00239 -9.926E-4 -9.926E+3
2.58E-03 2.60E+04 12757.9 -267169.96 54330.182 0.000525 -0.0015 2.566E-4 2.592E+3
2.58E-03 2.60E+04 12757.9 -267169.96 -34082.44 0.000525 0.000942 2.815E-3 2.844E+4
3.84E-03 3.71E+04 92808.4 -1943542.9 -483668.1 0.000525 0.001838 2.493E-3 2.419E+4
5.42E-03 4.55E+04 49607.2 -787337.99 -258526.3 0.000398 0.001838 7.855E-4 6.598E+3
5.42E-03 4.55E+04 49607.2 -99782.085 -258526.3 5.04E-05 0.001838 4.221E-4 3.545E+3
5.10E-03 4.45E+04 48475.1 424572.64 -252626.8 -0.00022 0.001838 4.712E-4 4.099E+3
5.10E-03 4.45E+04 48475.1 1065899.3 -252626.8 -0.00055 0.001838 1.078E-4 9.379E+2
3.21E-03 3.17E+04 47568.4 1287134 -247901.4 -0.00068 0.001838 1.865E-3 1.846E+4
2.27E-03 2.31E+04 5081.90 137509.09 -20030.16 -0.00068 0.00139 2.341E-3 2.388E+4
2.27E-03 2.31E+04 5081.90 137509.09 -2446.765 -0.00068 0.00017 1.063E-3 1.085E+4
2.90E-03 2.89E+04 57815.1 1564393.2 45589.186 -0.00068 -0.00028 -3.563E-5 -3.563E+2
3.53E-03 3.45E+04 42374.6 931756.99 60109.866 -0.00055 -0.0005 -7.653E-4 -7.500E+3
3.53E-03 3.45E+04 42374.6 344444.6 133841.72 -0.0002 -0.00111 -1.044E-3 -1.024E+4
3.84E-03 3.71E+04 45661.7 -91846.035 201758.04 5.04E-05 -0.00156 -1.559E-3 -1.512E+4
3.84E-03 3.71E+04 45661.7 -724717.99 281209.5 0.000398 -0.00217 -1.838E-3 -1.783E+4

Table 2 : Detailed Resultant (Part :B)

Splash Screen

Main Menu

Shell Stress Analysis Buckling Analysis Normal and Shear Stresses

Node Selection End Conditions Principal stress Oblique Plane

Stresses

Coordinate Input Data Input Data Input Data Input

Result Result Result Result

Detailed Result

Plot
®
Fig 4 : Block Diagram of FARST

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Research Paper

Fig 5 : Splash Screen

Fig 8 : Node input

®
Fig 6 : Title Page of FARST ®
Fig 9 : FARST Data input

®
Fig 7 : FARST Main Menu Fig 10 : Result Window

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 Research Paper

Fig 13 : Selecting End Conditions For

Fig 11 : Detailed Structural Analysis Buckling Analysis

Fig 12 : Plot of Structure

Fig 14 : Principal Stresses

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10 National Aeronautical Conference 20-21 April, 2006 PAF Academy Risalpur 108

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