Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Valerie Krys, Senior, krysv@my.erau.edu Illia Biblyi, Senior, biblyii@my.erau.edu Darien Lopez, Senior, lopezd38@my.erau.edu Henil Patel, Senior, patelh27@my.erau.edu Teshome Teshome, Senior, teshomet@my.erau.edu John Tillo, Senior,tilloj@my.erau.edu
Lead Presenter's Name
Darien Lopez
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Alberto Mello
Abstract
With the continued expansion of global supply chains, demand for airfreight is rapidly increasing. As older cargo aircraft approach the end of their service life, the Boeing 787 freighter variant emerges as an ideal candidate to address this growing market demand. To facilitate its conversion from passenger to freighter configuration, modifications included the addition of a cargo door and adjustments to the cabin floor, allowing for efficient cargo loading operations. The structural components, including stringers and longerons, were specifically sized and strategically positioned in both the cargo door section and throughout the rest of the fuselage to accommodate the anticipated loads. These structural decisions were guided by comprehensive hand calculations and validated through finite element analysis. Additionally, fatigue life expectancy assessments were performed using crack growth prediction techniques to ensure structural integrity and longevity. The resulting 787-F variant provides a medium-capacity, long-range freighter aircraft featuring superior fuel efficiency and a redesigned composite fuselage optimized for standard cargo operations. These enhancements have been implemented while rigorously maintaining necessary safety margins. This presentation highlights a practical engineering approach to developing a cargo variant by strategically modifying an existing aircraft design to meet new operational requirements.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Boeing 787 Freighter Conversion: Structural Redesign and Enhanced Cargo Operation
With the continued expansion of global supply chains, demand for airfreight is rapidly increasing. As older cargo aircraft approach the end of their service life, the Boeing 787 freighter variant emerges as an ideal candidate to address this growing market demand. To facilitate its conversion from passenger to freighter configuration, modifications included the addition of a cargo door and adjustments to the cabin floor, allowing for efficient cargo loading operations. The structural components, including stringers and longerons, were specifically sized and strategically positioned in both the cargo door section and throughout the rest of the fuselage to accommodate the anticipated loads. These structural decisions were guided by comprehensive hand calculations and validated through finite element analysis. Additionally, fatigue life expectancy assessments were performed using crack growth prediction techniques to ensure structural integrity and longevity. The resulting 787-F variant provides a medium-capacity, long-range freighter aircraft featuring superior fuel efficiency and a redesigned composite fuselage optimized for standard cargo operations. These enhancements have been implemented while rigorously maintaining necessary safety margins. This presentation highlights a practical engineering approach to developing a cargo variant by strategically modifying an existing aircraft design to meet new operational requirements.