5A012E - Aircraft Structural Repair Materials and Hardware 01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2032 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 5A012E
Module Title: Aircraft Structural Repair Materials and Hardware
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Engineering
Faculty Sub Group: Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Module Leader:
Module Team: Bethan Llewellyn
First Intended Intake: SEP 2026 Final Year of Intake: 2031
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100163 - electrical and electronic engineering
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Aug 2032

Module Aims

This module introduces learners to the fundamental materials, fasteners, and hardware that underpin aircraft construction and maintenance. Students will develop a systematic understanding of ferrous, non-ferrous, composite and non-metallic materials, including their properties, heat treatment behaviours, defect modes, and inspection requirements. The module also explores corrosion mechanisms, enabling learners to recognise, classify, and evaluate deterioration in aircraft structures and components. Building on this material knowledge, students will examine a range of aircraft fasteners, pipes, unions, springs, bearings, transmissions, control cables, and electrical connectors, developing the ability to identify, select, and assess hardware in accordance with industry standards. Through applied study and problem-solving, learners strengthen their capability to interpret technical specifications, evaluate material performance, and apply correct maintenance and repair procedures within an airworthiness focused engineering environment. 

Content Summary

This module develops a structured understanding of the materials, hardware and mechanical components used throughout aircraft construction and maintenance. Learners begin by exploring material properties, processing methods and identification techniques, establishing the foundational knowledge required to evaluate material suitability and performance in an aviation context. 

Study then progresses to the ferrous and non-ferrous metals commonly used in aerospace applications, including steels, aluminium alloys and other light alloys. Emphasis is placed on their characteristics, heat treatment behaviours, defect modes and operational considerations. This is complemented by an in-depth examination of composite materials, now widely used in modern aircraft structures, covering fibre reinforced systems, matrix types, manufacturing processes and inspection requirements. 

Students develop a detailed understanding of mechanical testing methods used to determine the properties of steels, aluminium alloys and composite structures. Tensile, hardness, impact and non-destructive testing techniques are discussed to support accurate assessment of material condition and airworthiness. The module also provides an introduction to corrosion, including its nature, classification, environmental drivers and the typical corrosion forms encountered on aircraft. 

Building on this material knowledge, learners gain a basic understanding of aircraft fastening, riveting and locking devices, followed by the hardware associated with fluid plumbing, transmission systems and mechanical control assemblies. This includes pipes, unions, hoses, springs, bearings, control cables and associated fittings. 

The module concludes with an overview of aircraft electrical cables and connectors, examining their construction, identification methods, performance characteristics and application across aircraft systems. This equips learners with the ability to recognise, select and apply electrical hardware in accordance with aviation standards and maintenance practices. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 42
Tutorial 6
Independent Study 92
Directed Study 60
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate a systematic understanding of aircraft materials and hardware by explaining the properties, processing and identification of ferrous, non-ferrous and composite materials; evaluating mechanical testing methods; and recognising corrosion types and their impact on aircraft structures.
LO2 Apply detailed knowledge of aircraft hardware by identifying and describing fastening, riveting and locking devices; outlining the function of plumbing, transmission and mechanical control components; and explaining the construction, characteristics and identification of aircraft electrical cables and connectors

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio Selection of material testing lab practical & individual reports) 0 2000 50 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Assessment Time-constrained assessment (Onsite) Classroom Test 120 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Portfolio ✔ ✔
Time-constrained assessment (Onsite) ✔ ✔

Reading List

1 Davies, M. (2003) The standard handbook for aeronautical and astronautical engineers. New York: McGraw-Hill. Available at: https://eu.alma.exlibrisgroup.com/view/action/uresolver.do? operation=resolveService&package_service_id=5980310890002424&institutionId=2424&customerId=24 15 

2 Carmody, D.S. (1998) Airplane maintenance and repair: a manual for owners, builders, technicians, and pilots. New York: McGraw-Hill. 

3 Jeppensen Sanderson, inc (2002) A&P technician airframe textbook. Englewood, Colo: Jeppensen Sanderson, Inc. 

4 Kroes, M.J. (2013) Aircraft maintenance and repair. 7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education. Available at: http://eu.alma.exlibrisgroup.com/view/action/uresolver.do? operation=resolveService&;package_service_id=4527190910002424&institutionId=2424&customerId=241 5.