Browse Topic: Bodies and Structures
Reliable antenna performance is crucial for aircraft communication, navigation, and radar detection systems. However, an aircraft's structure can detune the antenna input impedance and obstruct radiation, creating a range of potential problems from a low-quality experience for passengers who increasingly expect connectivity while in the air, to violating legal requirements around strict compliance standards. Determining appropriate antenna placement during the design phase can reduce risk of costly problems arising during physical testing stages. Engineers traditionally use a variety of CAD and electromagnetic simulation tools to design and analyze antennas. The use of multiple software tools, combined with globally distributed aircraft development teams, can result in challenges related to sharing models, transferring data, and maintaining the associativity of design and simulation results. To address these challenges, aircraft OEMs and suppliers are implementing unified modeling and
This SAE Recommended Practice provides test procedures, performance requirements, and guidelines for cargo lamps intended for use on vehicles under 5443 kg (12000 pounds) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
This SAE Aerospace Standard (AS) establishes minimum performance standards for new equipment anticollision light systems. This Aerospace Standard defines minimum light intensity in terms of "effective intensity" as defined in paragraph 3.5 of this standard and specified vertical and horizontal directions about the longitudinal and vertical axis of the airplane. It will also define flash rate and color for the anticollision light system. It is not intended that this standard require the use of any particular light source such as Xenon, LED or any other specific design of lamp.
This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) provides general guidance for design considerations and qualification in endurance, strength, and fatigue of landing gear using composite components as principle structural elements. The information discussed herein includes the development and evaluation of design data considering the potential for imbedded manufacturing defects, manufacturing process variations, the component operating environment, potential damage threats in service, rework and overhaul, and inspection processes. This AIR mainly discusses the use of thick composites for landing gear structural components. Considerations and recommendations provided in this AIR may therefore differ greatly from considerations and recommendations found in widely accepted composite design references such as CMH-17 and Advisory Circulars such as AC 20-107B.
This paper presents the development of an alternative to the traditional multichannel Fiber Optic Rotary Joint (FORJ) using spatial division multiplexing. The proposed solution utilizes phase plates assembly in a compact housing made by a French optical communications company called Cailabs. It is distinguished from conventional multichannel technologies that rely on Dove prisms or wavelength multiplexing by using the housing of a single channel Fiber Optic Rotary Joint (FORJ) without needing strong constraint on the choice of optical transceivers. Our research focused on characterizing the specific mechanical parameters required to transfer optical modes from the rotor to the stator without deformation or misalignment of those. Three test campaigns were conducted, each with iterative improvements. The latest results demonstrate commercially viable performance for transmission of 3G-SDI video stream on up to 6 channels.
Engineers have harnessed quantum physics to detect the presence of biomolecules without the need for an external light source, overcoming a significant obstacle to the use of optical biosensors in healthcare.
This SAE Recommended Practice specifies an intrusion resistance test method for glazing systems installed in motor vehicles. Intrusion resistance performance is determined not solely by the glazing but also by the glazing attachment to the vehicle and by the vehicle structure. Therefore, the glazing/attachment/vehicle structure must be tested as a single unit. This test determines intrusion resistance only. The test applies to those materials that meet the requirements for use as safety glazing materials as specified in ANSI/SAE Z26.1 or other applicable standards. The test applies to all installation locations.
In a groundbreaking achievement, the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) earlier this year became the first unit to successfully use the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) function of the Army/Navy Portable Radio Communications (AN/PRC) 158 and 162 radios for conventional rotary wing operations. The trailblazing accomplishment occurred as the brigade continued its mission of providing support to ground forces, April 9, 2025. The MUOS function, of the AN/PRC-158 and 162 radios, operates by transmitting ultra-high frequency radio waves through a constellation of satellites to create a steady communications network. MUOS is a component of a bigger Integrated Tactical Network (ITN).
In a groundbreaking achievement, the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) earlier this year became the first unit to successfully use the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) function of the Army/Navy Portable Radio Communications (AN/PRC) 158 and 162 radios for conventional rotary wing operations. The trailblazing accomplishment occurred as the brigade continued its mission of providing support to ground forces, April 9, 2025.
A Rear Underrun Protection Device (RUPD) is a safety feature installed on the rear end of chassis of trailers, designed to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath the rear of the trailer in the event of a collision. Therefore, it plays a critical role in reducing the risk of serious injuries or fatalities. The RUPD standard is updated aiming to improve the strength and resistance of these devices, therefore improving the road safety. This paper shares the author’s experience with the latest standards and regulations for Rear Underrun Protection Devices (RUPD), with a focus on the use of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS). It provides a general overview of RUPD standard requirements and suggests several AHSS steel tube sizes suitable for the main longitudinal member, serving as a starting point for design. Key design parameters and potential failure points in RUPD structures are discussed, along with possible solutions. Finite Element Modeling (FEM) is commonly used in the
Advanced motion control technologies are essential to modern aerospace design, supporting a wide range of safety-critical and comfort-driven applications. In aerospace, motion control components such as gas springs, actuators, and dampers are integral to nearly every commercial aircraft, rocket, satellite, and space vehicle. These critical elements support flight safety and transport functions, from the dependable deployment of landing gear and cargo doors to the smooth, ergonomic operation of seating for pilots and passengers.
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, conceptualized to be used as air taxis for transporting cargo or passengers, are generally lighter in weight than jet-fueled aircraft, and fly at lower altitudes than commercial aircraft. These differences render them more susceptible to turbulence, leading to the possibility of instabilities such as Dutch-roll oscillations. In traditional fixed-wing aircraft, active mechanisms used to suppress oscillations include control surfaces such as flaps, ailerons, tabs, and rudders, but eVTOL aircraft do not have the control surfaces necessary for suppressing Dutch-roll oscillations.
This SAE Recommended Practice describes the test procedures for conducting quasi-static cab roof strength tests for heavy-truck applications. Its purpose is to establish recommended test procedures that will standardize the procedure for heavy trucks. Descriptions of the test setup, test instrumentation, photographic/video coverage, and test fixtures are included.
This SAE Standard establishes the minimum construction and performance requirements for a 15 pole connector between towing vehicles and trailers, for trucks, trailers, and dollies, for 12 VDC nominal applications in conjunction with SAE J2742. The connector accommodates both power and ISO 11992-1 signal circuits along with dual ground wires to accommodate grounding requirements within the constraints of the SAE J2691 terminal capacity.
The scope of this SAE performance standard is to provide a simple, practical, and broadly applicable test procedure for appraising luminous Illuminant A reflectance of reflecting safety glazing materials for road vehicles. This SAE performance standard, which provides a simple test procedure widely used in the optics field, may be used to measure the reflectivity which films applied to safety glazing materials for road vehicles may enhance. This test procedure applies to conditions where feasibility, rather than accuracy of measurement, is of prime importance. Measurements can be made outside laboratories in a quality control environment and in similar applications, when glazings, instead of small test specimens, have to be tested.
This SAE Information Report applies to structural integrity, performance, drivability, and serviceability of personally licensed vehicles not exceeding 10000 pounds GVWR such as sedans, crossovers, SUVs, MPVs, light trucks, and van-type vehicles that are powered by gas and alternative fuel such as electric, plug-in hybrid, or hybrid technologies. It provides engineering direction to vehicle modifiers in a manner that does not limit innovation, and it specifies procedures for preparing vehicles to enhance safety during vehicle modifications. It further provides guidance and recommendations for the minimum acceptable design requirements and performance criteria on general and specific structural modifications, thereby allowing consumers and third-party payers the ability to obtain and purchase equipment that meets or exceeds the performance and safety of the OEM production vehicle.
This SAE Aerospace Standard (AS) provides design criteria for onboard stairways intended for use by passengers aboard multi-deck transport category airplanes. It is not intended for stairways designed for use only by crewmembers, supernumeries, or maintenance personnel. Additionally, this AS does not apply to fuselage mounted or external stairways used for boarding passengers, which are covered by ARP836.
This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) discusses the nature of landing gear stability, describes many common landing gear stability problems, and suggests approaches and methods for solving or avoiding them.
This SAE Recommend Practice establishes for passenger cars, light trucks, and multipurpose vehicles with GVW of 4500 kg (10000 pounds) or less, as defined by the EPA, and M1 category vehicles, as defined by the European Commission:
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