An accessible, state-of-the-art introduction to the most important topics in aerospace engineering today This combined text and professional reference presents what every structural engineer needs to know about modern aircraft structures. Covering the latest developments in the field, it explores the role of commercial finite element codes in structural analysis, demonstrates the use of fracture mechanics to solve damage tolerance and durability problems in aircraft structures, and examines the penetration of composite materials into areas traditionally dominated by metals. Clear and accessible throughout, this book assumes only an introductory background in the mechanics of solids while explaining subjects typically found only in much more advanced texts. It offers ample examples, emphasizes concepts of mechanics rather than problem solving,and helps foster an in-depth understanding of the subject. Mechanics of Aircraft Structures provides concise introductions Mechanics of Aircraft Structures combines classical and state-of-the-art topics into an excellent one-semester introductory course in structural mechanics and aerospace engineering at the undergraduate or graduate level. It is also an extremely useful resource for aerospace or mechanical engineers - especially in aerospace, automotive, and defense-related industries.