October 2011-May2012
MEng Project: Design of a Human Powered Aircraft (HPA) and manufacture of a 1:5 scale model.
The project consisted of two phases. First being the theoretical design and analysis of the actual HPA whilst the second was the 1:5 scale model to be manufactured. The purpose of the 1:5 scale model was to verify the aerodynamic data of the full scale, particularly the coefficient of lift, before its actual full scale design and manufacture next year.
Below is a fully assembled 3D CAD of the HPA scale model to be manufactured, drawn on Autodesk Inventor.
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| 3D CAD of scale model HPA, drawn on Autodesk Inventor |
The actual model drawn is similar to the scale model. The difference is the actual design has less structural members than the scale model. This was necessary to meet the mass requirements. In addition, the actual model consisted of sophisticated materials such as carbon fibre tubes for the spars whilst scale model consisted of rectangular steel sections.
Below is the actual model drawn on ABAQUS and simulated under calculated flight loads in static mode.
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| 3D drawing of actual model, drawn on ABAQUS |
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| Actual model under flight loads, simulated in static mode |
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| Region of highest deflection |
