Aerospace Engineer how-to

How to Do a Stress Margin Check

Margins keep structures safe.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Margins keep structures safe. In short: get; find; get, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Get loads.

  2. Find stresses.

  3. Get allowables.

  4. Apply factors of safety.

  5. Calculate margins.

  6. Flag negatives.

Safety reminders for aerospace engineers

  • Follow test safety plans
  • Design to safety factors
  • Follow export rules
  • Protect classified data

ABET · PE license · FE exam · CAD · Specification · Aerodynamics: see the full aerospace engineer glossary.

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