Date of Award
12-2012
Access Type
Thesis - Open Access
Degree Name
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Committee Chair
William A. Engblom, Ph. D.
First Committee Member
Snorri Gudmundsson, M.S.
Second Committee Member
Glenn P. Greiner, M.S.
Abstract
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.
Scholarly Commons Citation
McKee, Eric Michael, "Novel Airframe Design for the Dual-Aircraft Atmospheric Platform Flight Concept" (2012). Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses. 104.
https://commons.erau.edu/edt/104
