Sneak Peak Series - Our Guest is TLK

[TLK]

Re: Sneak Peak Series - Our Guest is TLK

@Lucid_Chaotic

On to some questions: other than mathematical ability, are there other things that will tell you whether you have an aptitude in this area? is the work monotone and typically fosters depth of knowledge in a subject area? and for those who seek variety, is switching roles or industries the only way to bring in breadth of knowledge?

Tough questions dude. Everyone requires a detail answer but I will be short. I dont think that structural engineering requires any aptitude other than interest of Physics in general. I mean if you hate physics, then maybe this field is not for you. Work gets monotone prettty fast because big companies put you in a specific group and you are required to do the similar job over and over. Luckily in same companies, rotational opportunities are avaialble so you can switch groups if you want to. I kind of like to say yes to your last question, however as a structural engineer, you deal with design, manufacturing, tooling and test engineering people, and that gives you a good perspective of how you can accommodate everyone’s need and demands. It is because in the industry I worked in, structure leads the product development. Product wont go forward if it fails the structural integrity so everyone has to listen to us :D. In auto, it was design and economics that lead the product develeopmnent.

@Little Princess

So,incase of a mishap,do we blame You ?(j/k)

Is it intresting & spontaneous? Or boring & routine?

Actually yes. In case of structural failure, FAA comes after the structural engineers who passed the design

It does get routined but not so boring.

@philosophy

amaaazing.

what do you think of the 2nd law of thermodynamics?

Why are stars cool? (think speed of light )

you are in wrong forum lady.

@Southie

Thank you for a wonderful introduction. some questions:

1. For design of an aircraft, what types of software does a structural engineer use (Autocad, Solidworks, finite element tools?)
2. Does one have to proficient in each of these, or can the engineer provide the equations that specialists in finite element tools can incorporate
3. Are wings riveted to body or are they nuts/bolts
4. Where do they use rivets (and which is stringer - nuts/bolts or rivets)
5. Is there a certain wind speed which the plane cannot handle - no mattery how good the design.

1. Software use depends upon the company. We use Catia and Nastran/Patran
2. No you dont have to be proficient in every tool. You just need to have good theoretical knowledge. Tools change and then you have to learn that tool .
3. Wings are attached to what we call wing box through bolts. Wing bix sits in the belly of plane and have one wing on each side. wing box is then attached to the airframe.
4. Stringers are riveted to the skin. Rivets are used to attach panels to the main structure. Think of your car fender that is attached to the frame of your car.
5. Planes can handle pretty much every speed. Its the landing during cross wind that could get tricky.