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Introduction to Boundary Layer Theory and Drag Reduction
Published in Ranjan Vepa, Electric Aircraft Dynamics, 2020
The fundamental component of an airframe which provides the basis of the design of any lifting vehicle in the airfoil. A wing is simply an ordered collection of wing or airfoil sections. An essential component of an airframe is a wing, or indeed a pair of wings, which are primarily responsible in providing the lifting vehicle with its lift force distributions, which in turn define its lifting characteristics. Yet the whole of the airframe including the wings, the fuselage, control surfaces and pylons contribute to the drag forces acting on the vehicle. A key element in the design of a lifting vehicle is the estimation, reduction and subsequent optimization of the drag forces. The need for optimization arises as one is interested in minimizing the drag forces while ensuring the lifting characteristics of the vehicle are not compromised. The geometry, and in fact the entire topology of the airframe, must therefore be designed to ensure minimum aerodynamic drag without having to compromise any of the lifting and performance characteristics of the design in its entirety.
Aircraft manufacturing and technology
Published in Lucy Budd, Stephen Ison, Air Transport Management, 2020
Due to the increasing demand for air travel, it is estimated that nearly 40,000 new aircraft will be required by 2040 (Airbus, 2019). Two-thirds of these new deliveries will be required to meet future growth in demand, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, as opposed to replacing aircraft retired from service. An airframe typically has a service life of 25–30 years, and the development of new aircraft models is expensive and often characterised by delay and cost overruns. The chapter now examines the reasons for the historical location of OEMs and describes how the structure of the aircraft manufacturing sector has evolved into an increasingly global and decentralised industry. Particular attention is given to the manufacturing processes involved in the design and assembly of large commercial jet aircraft seating 100 or more passengers (Table 16.2). The chapter concludes by discussing future trends in aircraft manufacturing technologies.
Regulatory philosophies and constraints in the US
Published in Henry H. Perritt, Eliot O. Sprague, Domesticating Drones, 2016
Henry H. Perritt, Eliot O. Sprague
Airworthiness certification is a multi-year, complex process that reviews every detail of a new aircraft design and all its subsystems, culminating in a type certificate. A type certificate is specific to a particular model or cluster of similar models of an aircraft. Aircraft designers must establish that the basic design of an airframe (the aircraft without its propulsion system) meets requirements for stability and control and for structural strength in various flight conditions. Materials and the way they are connected to form fuselage, airframe, control services, and landing gear must meet strength and operability requirements. The designer must demonstrate how the aircraft recovers from unusual attitudes and publish appropriate flight limitations in the airworthiness certificate and in the manuals that are mandatory for pilots, other aircrew members, and mechanics. Instruments for determining aircraft attitude such as compasses, altimeters, airspeed indicators, rate-of-climb indicators, turn indicators, and artificial horizons must meet technical requirements established by international organizations and by the Defense Department. Automation systems, such as autopilots, flight planning and navigation systems and fully automatic digital engine control systems (FADECs) must meet similar technical requirements and demonstrate their reliability, with redundancy and backup systems provided as necessary to meet reliability targets. Aircrew interfaces are part of this certification.
Investigation on buckling response of the aircraft’s wing using finite-element method
Published in Australian Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2020
Aluminium is the most common material to construct wings, but wing can be of wood covered with fabric and occasionally of a magnesium alloy. Moreover, modern aircraft are tending towards lighter and stronger materials throughout the airframe and in wing construction. Wings made entirely of carbon fibre or other composite materials exist. Wing made of a combination of materials for maximum strength to weight performance also exists.