At the Faculty of Aircraft of Novosibirsk State Technical University (NETI), they are developing a methodology that will allow a reliable assessment of how the aircraft structure will behave during operation. We are talking about small-sized aircraft, such as drones of various types.
The relevance of the development is due to the active introduction of unmanned aircraft systems. As Daniil Matveev, a 2-year graduate student, explained, there is the following problem: in small aircraft, the power elements have a large cross-sectional area under relatively low loads, in such conditions the design works mainly not for strength, but for loss of stability: the increased wing area makes the aircraft more sensitive to wind gusts and turbulent flows.
Another important point is related to UAV production technologies. The most suitable material for this is sheet metal: it is faster and easier to work with it, while manufacturing drones from composites takes long technological cycles, the graduate student noted.
"Sheet metal provides high strength, which is important for protecting unmanned aircraft systems from mechanical loads, impacts and external influences, it is easy to mold, which makes it possible to manufacture parts of various shapes and configurations. Layered structures are used in the manufacture. For example, a spar, like other power elements, is created using a set technology, where the structure consists of several bent profiles assembled together. But such structures need to be counted on for stability, this calculation will allow us to determine the critical load, if exceeded, the structure may deform or collapse," Daniil Matveev said.
Currently, the developers are selecting an analytical method in order to make a preliminary design calculation. Testing will be carried out on an experimental sample.
"After selecting the method, we will conduct numerical modeling, and then an experiment. Based on the results of the first iteration, we will analyze the convergence of the results. Based on the reconciliation, we will decide what needs to be corrected and how to refine the methodology, which will ultimately allow for the most reliable assessment of how the aircraft structure will behave during operation," Daniil Matveev added.