Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Alex Gardner, Adam Wanner, Sara Gonzalez, Joseph DeLeo, Canyon Swaffar, Matthew Kaplan, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Matthew Kaplan
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Alberto Mello Jr.
Abstract
Project Nightshade: Detail Design for a Carrier-Based Multirole Strike Fighter This project focuses on the structural detail design of the wing box for a carrier-based multirole strike fighter, emphasizing strength, stiffness, and fatigue resistance under maneuver and carrier landing loads. The objective is to develop a structurally efficient configuration capable of supporting critical loading conditions while maintaining realistic weight and structural integrity. Classical aerospace structural analysis methods were used to size primary load-carrying components including spar caps, shear webs, and skin panels. Maneuver and gust load cases were applied to determine internal shear forces and bending moments, enabling calculation of normal stresses and shear flow distributions throughout the wing structure. Trade studies were performed to evaluate structural efficiency, load path continuity, and weight implications, ensuring compatibility with aircraft performance and operational requirements. The final wing box configuration satisfies strength and stiffness requirements while maintaining acceptable margins of safety under critical loading conditions. The structural layout demonstrates efficient load transfer and realistic structural sizing consistent with modern aircraft design practices. This study highlights the importance of detailed structural design in translating aircraft performance requirements into a feasible and structurally sound airframe configuration.
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
Aeronautical Vehicles Commons, Structures and Materials Commons, Systems Engineering and Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Commons
Project Nightshade: Carrier-Based Multirole Navy Strike Fighter Aircraft
Project Nightshade: Detail Design for a Carrier-Based Multirole Strike Fighter This project focuses on the structural detail design of the wing box for a carrier-based multirole strike fighter, emphasizing strength, stiffness, and fatigue resistance under maneuver and carrier landing loads. The objective is to develop a structurally efficient configuration capable of supporting critical loading conditions while maintaining realistic weight and structural integrity. Classical aerospace structural analysis methods were used to size primary load-carrying components including spar caps, shear webs, and skin panels. Maneuver and gust load cases were applied to determine internal shear forces and bending moments, enabling calculation of normal stresses and shear flow distributions throughout the wing structure. Trade studies were performed to evaluate structural efficiency, load path continuity, and weight implications, ensuring compatibility with aircraft performance and operational requirements. The final wing box configuration satisfies strength and stiffness requirements while maintaining acceptable margins of safety under critical loading conditions. The structural layout demonstrates efficient load transfer and realistic structural sizing consistent with modern aircraft design practices. This study highlights the importance of detailed structural design in translating aircraft performance requirements into a feasible and structurally sound airframe configuration.