Validation of UAV Wing Structural Model for Finite Element Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/jt.v71.3710Keywords:
Finite elements, unmanned aerial vehicles, wing structural analysisAbstract
Finite element method is increasingly used in the analysis of aircraft structures, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The structural model used for finite element analysis however needs to be validated in order to ensure that it correctly represents the physical behaviour of the actual structure. In this work, a case study of a straight, unswept and untapered wing structure made of composite material subjected to aerodynamic loading was modelled and analysed using finite element method. Four-noded, reduced integration shell elements were used, with structural components attached by adhesive joints modelled using tied surface constraints. For the validation process an experimental set-up of the actual wing was loaded using sandbags to simulate the aerodynamic loads. The deflection of the wing at three key locations were obtained and compared between both methods. It was found that the difference between both results ranges between 0.3% (at the tip) to 36.1% (near the root, for small deflections).References
A.F. Accardo, F. Ricci, P. Basso. 2000. Design and Development of Low Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. 22nd International Congress of Aeronautical Science ICAS. Harrogate UK.
P. Yong-Bin, N. Khanh-Hung, K. Jin-Hwe, C. Jin-Ho. 2011. Structural Analysis of a Composite Target-drone. International Journal of Aeronautical & Space Science. 12:84–91.
O.I. Okoli, A. Abdul-Latif. 2002. Failure in composite laminates: Overview of an attempt at prediction. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing. 33(3):315–321.
B. Szabó, I. Babuška. 2011. Introduction to Finite Element Analysis: Formulation, Verification and Validation. West Sussex: Wiley.
F. Mazhar, A. M. Khan. 2010. Structural Design of a UAV Wing Using Finite Element Method. 51st AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
J. Gadomski, B. Hernik, Z. Goraj. 2006. Analysis and optimisation of a MALE UAV loaded structure. Aircraft Engineering & Aerospace Technology: An International Journal. 78(2):120–131.
M.G. Ostergaard, A.R. Ibbotson, O.L. Roux, A.M. Prior. 2010. Virtual testing of aircraft structures. CEAS Aeronaut Journal. 1:21.
M. Nurhaniza, M.K.A. Arifin, A. Ali, F. Mustapha, A.W. Noraini. 2009. Finite element analysis of composites materials for aerospace applications. 9th National Symposium on Polymeric Materials, Materials Science and Engineering.
H. Altenbach, J. W. Altenbach, W. Kissing, 2004. Mechanics Of Composite Structural Elements. New York: Springer.
A.A. Becker, R.C. Baker. 2004. An Introductory Guide to Finite Element Analysis. London: Professional Engineering.
J.N Reddy, 1993. An Introduction to The Finite Element Method, New York: McGraw-Hill.
M.H. Datoo. 1991. Mechanics of Fibrous Composites. United Kingdom: Elsevier Science.
D. De Renzo. 1988. Advanced Composite Materials: Products and Manufactures. New Jersey: Noyes Publications.
O.I. Okoli. 1997. Experimental Determination of Transient Dynamic Response of Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites. PhD thesis, University of Warwick, UK.
T. Bitzer. 1997. Honeycomb Technology: Materials, Design, Manufacturing, Applications And Testing. Springer.
A. Laulusa, O. Bauchau, J.Y. Choi, V.B.C. Tan, L. Li, 2006. Evaluation of some shear deformable shell elements, International Journal of Solids and Structures, 43(17): 5033-5054
Abaqus Version 6.9EF-1. 2009. Abaqus Documentation, Dassault Systems, Providence, RI, USA
O.O. Ochoa, J.N. Reddy. 1992. Finite Element Analysis Of Composite Laminates. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic.
M. Autio, H. Parviainen, A. Pramila. 1992. Accuracy of the finite element method in analyzing laminated plate and pipe structures. Mechanics of Composite Materials. 28(3):236–245.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright of articles that appear in Jurnal Teknologi belongs exclusively to Penerbit Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (Penerbit UTM Press). This copyright covers the rights to reproduce the article, including reprints, electronic reproductions, or any other reproductions of similar nature.
