Novel airframe design for the Dual-Aircraft Atmospheric Platform flight concept |
Posted on:2013-06-13 | Degree:M.S.M.E | Type:Thesis |
University:Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Candidate:McKee, Eric Michael | Full Text:PDF |
GTID:2452390008988911 | Subject:Mechanical engineering |
Abstract/Summary: | |
A high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial airframe was designed for the innovative Dual-Aircraft Atmospheric Platform flight concept that exploits stratospheric wind velocity gradients to remain aloft indefinitely. Classical aircraft preliminary design techniques and high-fidelity tools were used to establish a baseline configuration.;Performance characteristics of numerous airfoil profiles were evaluated with two-dimensional flow software in an effort to determine the best-candidate airfoil for the unique application. Vortex-Lattice method tools were used to investigate the sensitivity of three-dimensional design parameters upon overall vehicle aerodynamic performance and determine both static and dynamic stability characteristics of the airframe. Performance capabilities of the finalized airframe are demonstrated in a flight envelope diagram with applied gust loads per the Federal Aviation Regulations. The innovative tandem-wing design exhibits exceptional performance characteristics required for the flight concept. |
Keywords/Search Tags: | Dual-aircraft atmospheric platform flight concept, Airframe, Performance characteristics, Tools were used |
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