Aircraft Structures is the study of the methods of manufacturing aircraft so that their structure can withstand any potential stresses and strains as well as being able to be produced and assembled quickly, cheaply, and safely. Figure 1  Stress tensor In physics, stress is a measure of the internal distribution of force per unit area within a body that balances and reacts to the loads applied to it. ... In any branch of science dealing with materials and their behaviour, strain is the geometrical expression of deformation caused by the action of stress on a physical body. ...

The study concentrates on the classic major components of an aircraft's structure:

• Wing ribs
• Stringers or Longerons
• Spars
• Heavy frames and Bulkheads
• Skin

But also the interaction of these structural components with some mechanical systems: In an aircraft, ribs are forming elements of the structure of a wing, especially in traditional construction. ... A Longeron is a thin strip of wood or metal, used in aircraft construction to support the skin of the fuselage or the wing. ... A bulkhead is an upright wall within the hull of a ship. ...

• Undercarriage
• Ejection seat
• Powerplant

The locations of major components and systems is studied to optimise the aircraft in weight and strength. For example in most modern military jets the heavy frame in the fuselage that supports the nose undercarriage also has the ejector seat rail mounted to it, in this way the frame has multiple functions meaning only one frame is required thus reducing weight and cost. Location is also important with respect to the aircraft's centre-of-gravity, which has great effect on the aircraft's stability. The undercarriage or landing gear is the structure (usually wheels) that supports an aircraft when it is taxying or stationary. ... US Air Force F/A-22 Raptor ejection seat test using a mannequin. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Center of gravity. ...

The materials and manufacturing techniques of the structural components is also examined so that optimisation can occur. For example stringers may be manufactured by bending sheet metal or by extrusion, to optimise to weight and cost. Whereas a heavy frame that supports a heavy component such as an engine may be cast or machined, to optimise to strength. Extrusion is a manufacturing process where a material, often in the form of a billet, is pushed and/or drawn through a die to create long objects of a fixed cross-section. ... One half of a bronze mold for casting a socketed spear head dated to the period 1400-1000 BC. This article is about the manufacturing process; for other uses, see Casting (disambiguation). ... A lathe is a common tool used in machining. ...

Also involved in the subject is the airworthiness regulations that dictate the performance of the aircraft's components.