Browse Topic: Bodies and Structures

Items (13,251)
By tweaking the flap’s deflection angle, the flap rudder significantly enhances the hydrodynamic performance. This study investigates the influence of the location of the flap rotation axis and the size of the flap’s deflection affect how well the rudder performs in the water, using computer simulations to obtain high-resolution flow-field data. The results demonstrate that the flap rudder consistently generates more lift than your standard rudder. Prior to stall, pushing the flap rotation axis further back results in less lift, but also less drag. For maximum lift at small or moderate angles of attack, a rotation axis located at 0.75 c provides the highest lift coefficient, whereas the 0.85 c configuration combined with δ = 25° offers the best compromise between postponed stall and maintained lift-to-drag ratio. Put the pivot at 85% chord and set the flap deflection to 25 degrees, and an optimal configuration is achieved in terms of lift and drag. The configuration yields a stall
Liu, ZirongWang, Jianming
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) recommends a methodology to be used for the design, analysis and test evaluation of modern helicopter gas turbine propulsion system stability and transient response characteristics. This methodology utilizes the computational power of modern digital computers to more thoroughly analyze, simulate and bench-test the helicopter engine/rotor system speed control loop over the flight envelope. This up-front work results in significantly less effort expended during flight test and delivers a more effective system into service. The methodology presented herein is recommended for modern digital electronic propulsion control systems and also for traditional analog and hydromechanical systems.
S-12 Powered Lift Propulsion Committee
Next-generation powertrain architectures proposed within EU Horizon projects adopt operating voltages above 800 V, providing improvements in efficiency as well as reductions in copper usage and system weight. However, post-800 V vehicles must remain backward compatible with existing 400 V and 800 V charging infrastructure, which requires the installation of an additional onboard DC boost charging unit on the vehicle. This paper proposes an integrated DC boost charging solution that reutilizes the open-end winding electric machine and the traction inverter of the electric powertrain, enabling backward compatibility while further reducing system cost and weight. In charging mode, the electric machine is repurposed as a passive inductive component, imposing a strict requirement of stationary operation with zero torque generation, which fundamentally differs from the driving mode characterized by rotor rotation and electromagnetic torque production. Consequently, conventional electric
Wang, HaoranKallur-Krishnamoorthy, RajeshNeuhaus, ChristophAndert, Jakob
This study investigates the feasibility of identifying individual e-bike riders based on CAN data using machine learning techniques. Datasets from 12 test riders performing various predefined cycling tasks on a dynamometer test bench are collected and used to ensure controlled and reproducible conditions. The recorded CAN data includes various sensor signals, such as power output, cadence, torque, and the used support mode. After pre-processing, two different methods of feature extraction are tested and compared, one based on snapshots of the data and one based on driving events such as braking and accelerating, measured by calculating statistics of the riding data over sliding windows. A range of machine learning models is employed to classify riders based on their distinct riding patterns using the extracted features. The evaluated models comprise KNN, Random Forest and Naïve Bayes. The findings demonstrate the efficacy of machine learning in differentiating riders, with Random
Simmann, GabrielRauch, YannickBeißert, FlorianKriesten, Reiner
This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) outlines a recommended procedure for evaluation of the vibration environment to which the gas turbine engine powerplant is subjected in the helicopter installation. This analysis of engine vibration is normally demonstrated on a one-time basis upon initial certification, or after a major modification, of an engine/helicopter configuration. This AIR deals with linear vibration as measured on the basic case structure of the engine and not, for example, torsional vibration in drive shafting or vibration of a component within the engine such as a compressor or turbine airfoil. In summary, this AIR discusses the engine manufacturer’s "Installation Test Code" aspects of engine vibration and proposes an appropriate measurement method.
S-12 Powered Lift Propulsion Committee
Passive fatigue can cause accidents with automated and regular vehicles. A proof-of-concept prototype [made with light-emitting diode (LED) matrices and white LED (WLED)] and a preliminary comparative usability test (N = 7) are used to study whether the active manipulation of simulated weather cues can be a potential countermeasure to passive fatigue. Participants rated system suitability, system impression, and their fatigue level similarly when they viewed a weather windshield heads-up display (HUD) versus a speedometer windshield HUD [no significant differences found and relatively small 95% confidence interval (CI) ranges around 0]. Qualitative analysis of interviews found that participants saw the potential value of the weather display and that display placement, dynamic graphics, and user activation were commonly mentioned themes. These results suggest the concept is theoretically possible, though further work is needed to prove the concept in practice.
Ensafjoo, MohsenLi, Jamy
Ground effect plays a critical role in enhancing the aerodynamic performance of race cars by increasing downforce without a proportional rise in drag. Despite its importance, the influence of airfoil geometry on inverted airfoils operating in ground proximity remains underexplored in open literature. This study addresses this gap through a detailed numerical investigation of chord-dominated ground effect using two-dimensional Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations. A range of NACA four-digit airfoils is systematically analyzed to isolate the effects of camber, thickness, and camber location on aerodynamic performance in ground proximity. Results show that increased camber enhances downforce and efficiency both in and out of ground effect; thinner airfoils yield higher downforce and efficiency in ground effect; and forward camber locations outperform rearward ones in maximizing downforce contrary to out-of-ground-effect trends. Detailed pressure distribution and flow
Chowdhury, RohanShukla, Dhwanil
This document provides recommendations involving BEV battery data retention and battery design that enhance the potential for BEV battery reuse and serviceability and that can improve recyclability. These recommendations have been developed by a group of professionals skilled in the secondary-use of batteries and in the research, development, and manufacture of BEV batteries and battery systems.
Secondary Battery Use Committee
Gyroscopic effects split circumferential traveling-wave resonances of rotating structures into forward and backward branches. This work first analyzes the splitting in the co-rotating (Lagrangian) frame to provide physical intuition for the evolution of the two branches with spin speed. A transformation to the inertial (Eulerian) frame is then derived, showing that the observed frequencies are shifted by a kinematic Doppler-like term that acts with opposite sign on the forward and backward waves, leading to different Campbell-diagram slopes depending on the observation frame. The resulting framework is validated experimentally on a freely rotating, unloaded tire using two complementary sensing modalities: wireless on-tire accelerometers (co-rotating view) and a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (inertial view). A frequency-domain SVD-based identification (FDD/ODS-SVD) is used to extract poles and deformation patterns over a range of spin speeds, enabling Campbell diagrams in both
del Fresno Zarza, JavierNaets, Frank
Interior acoustics represent an essential component of driving comfort in electric vehicles. Numerical simulation is an effective approach for assessing design concepts and enhancing acoustic performance. However, a fully coupled vibro-acoustic model for an entire vehicle remains computationally infeasible. Our approach couples mechanical and acoustic modal models on non-conforming interfaces in the low-frequency range, allowing independent mode combinations. Modal coupling reduces the computational effort significantly from full-order systems with millions of degrees of freedom to a selection of modes of the acoustic and mechanical systems. Modal models of the vehicle structure are derived from measurements with a laser-vibrometer and accelerometers while the interior acoustics are simulated numerically. Since laser-vibrometer measurements are restricted to the vehicle’s exterior surfaces and vibro-acoustic coupling occurs between the inner structural surface and the interior fluid
Gutbrod, ManuelGabriel, ChristophMüller, Gregor JohannesToth, Florian
For analysing flow and acoustic induced structural vibration, a fully run time coupled framework combining a hybrid CFD-CAA approach with a modal response simulation was validated and presented at the ISVNH 2022 (SAE Technical Paper 2022-01-0938). In this paper i We apply this CFD–CAA–modal coupling method to a series-representative bonnet geometry and demonstrate its capability to capture flow and aeroacoustically driven vibration with two-way coupling. ii We analyse the modal properties of the bonnet and show that confined air volumes beneath the bonnet can introduce significant fluid loading effects, which are already embedded in experimentally validated FE modal models and must therefore be treated carefully in two-way coupled simulations. iii We validate the fully coupled aeroelastic simulation against wind-tunnel measurements with undisturbed inflow, show close agreement with the measured vibration response and analyse that the dominant excitation is in this case from below the
Schwertfirm, FlorianOcker, JoergHartmann, Michael
Vehicle sound packages are usually designed to provide a given level of vehicle Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) comfort, within weight and cost constraints. Optimal comfort results can be obtained by considering the interaction of all the parts as a full physical system. So far, extensive research has already been performed and published on optimizing vehicle sound packages to achieve effective noise reduction at lowest cost and weight. Nowadays, due to the urgency of the transition to carbon neutrality, sound packages must also address the reduction of the full vehicle life cycle carbon emissions. Sound package components should use materials that have a low emission impact during production and that are suitable for recycling at the end of the vehicle’s life. This entails reconsidering the material solutions chosen for the sound package as a whole, rather than for each individual component. This article describes possible differentiations in the design of a sound package
Courtois, TheophaneCardillo, MarcoCriscione, MattiaGerges, YoussefMassocco, Andrea
Recent studies indicate that the door system plays a significant role in the interior noise levels of newly developed vehicles. This research investigates the noise transmission paths through the door system and identifies effective strategies for improvement through a combination of door buck testing and simulation. Specifically, in this study, the finite element method (FEM) was employed for door buck simulation, and the model was validated against vibration test results. Subsequently, acoustic analysis tools were utilized to correlate with noise testing, thereby establishing a process to ensure simulation accuracy. The sound insulation performance for the main areas of the door was experimentally evaluated, and a simulation model with good correlation to these test results was developed. By utilizing both experimental and simulation results, the principal transmission paths were identified, and appropriate improvement strategies for these paths were investigated. The validated
Chae, Ki-SangJang, JinungJeong, HojungDo, HyuncheolHan, JinwooYi, JaebokBak, Seong-JaeJeong, ChanHee
Acoustic user interfaces and audio experiences are among the leading comfort factors in new vehicle interior designs. OEMs are more and more focusing on loudspeaker design and positioning, to provide the most immersive experience to the customers. The industrial target is to be able to predict the performance of an audio system in early design phases. This paper presents an integrated vibro-acoustic methodology enabling early-stage prediction of loudspeaker performance in real vehicle conditions. The approach combines electromechanical characterization, a hybrid loudspeaker calibrated model valid across the audible range and coupled FEM/BEM/SEA simulations to capture the loudspeaker response in the vehicle’s cabin considering door-installation effects and cabin acoustics. The method is validated experimentally on a rear-door loudspeaker installed in a production vehicle, showing strong correlation with measured SPL. A final application case demonstrates its capability to assess the
Zerrad, MehdiErrico, FabrizioMordillat, Philippe
Investigating high-speed aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics presents a significant challenge for manned re-entry missions. The thermal effects on the surface of the re-entry vehicle and atmospheric stresses are primarily influenced by re-entry type and flight trajectory. This study investigates the monostability characteristics and aerothermodynamics of the Orion re-entry vehicle by incorporating static fins onto the aft fuselage of the vehicle, ensuring the lift-to-drag ratio remains unaffected throughout the numerical simulations. The study evaluated two different Mach numbers of 7 and 9 at various altitudes. The models were analyzed at different angles of attack from 0° to 90° in increments of 15°. The model with static fins exhibits a displacement in the monostable trim point, a reduction in the heat-shield pressure coefficient, and enhanced heat transfer throughout the re-entry vehicle.
Sabapathy, Santhosh
This AIR provides a general guideline on how to perform effective measurement systems analysis study (MSA) for rotor balancing tasks. The document also includes applicable data analysis methods and result interpretation.
EG-1A Balancing Committee
With the recent renewed interest in manned lunar exploration, it is critical to revisit the Apollo Moon landings with new analysis tools. Modeling the Moon landings of the past can help guide the development of new landing vehicles for the present and the future. One of the critical subsystems to model is the vehicle’s landing gear. During a landing event, structural loading, energy absorption, and toppling stability are important factors that drive the design of landing gear subsystems. These aspects can be studied using models and simulations in addition to physical testing. This study explores one recent modeling tool for modeling the landing gear and uses the Apollo 11 Moon landing as a use case. A generic model was built using MATLAB®, Simulink®, and Simscape® Multibody to model the dynamics of a landing event. The landing gear structure comprising the primary strut, secondary struts, footpads, and joints was modeled in Simscape® Multibody. Various energy absorption mechanisms in
Arndt, GrantWu, WeiButzman, Noah
Individuals who complete the applicable modules aligned with this training document will be able to define the type of damage, define the extent of damage, determine if further inspection is required, evaluate the damage against published allowable damage limits, and provide accurate documentation of the damage. The intended outcome of the training is increased safety such that no aircraft is released with unknown damage and that the aircraft meets continued airworthiness requirements. The goal is to change the culture from damage discovery to damage reporting while also reducing or eliminating flight delays due to incorrect or insufficient information. Teaching levels have been assigned to the curriculum to define the knowledge, skills, and abilities graduates will need. Minimum hours of instruction have been provided to ensure adequate coverage of all subject matter including lecture and practical exercise. These minimums may be exceeded and may include an increase in the total
AMS CACRC Commercial Aircraft Composite Repair Committee
Hydrogen-fueled rotary engines offer a promising zero-emission solution for compact commercial powertrains. This study reports experimental results from the further development of a naturally aspirated, direct-injection hydrogen rotary engine by HTM. Initial applications, such as an airport baggage tractor, demonstrated technical feasibility but revealed pre-ignition that limited maximum torque. To address this, mixture formation was investigated using an experimental setup with two independently controlled injectors feeding a single rotor injection channel. The effects on operating behavior, efficiency, and NOx emissions were evaluated. The dual-injector configuration significantly shortens injection duration and improves spatial distribution of hydrogen within the combustion chamber. Enhanced mixture control suppresses pre-ignition and enables higher mean effective pressure. Systematic variation of injection timing under representative steady-state conditions also shows potential for
Endres, JonasBeidl, ChristianHerold, TimLavall, PhilippSchmidt, MarvinHofmann, SilasKahl, Jonas
Precision agriculture, also known as smart farming, was once reserved for early adopters or large-scale operations, but is now an expectation within the farming industry. Across various regions and farm sizes, smart farming techniques are changing the way crops are planted as well as how they are monitored and harvested. However, farmers today are under increasing pressure to reduce labor, decrease chemical inputs, conserve water and operate in tighter windows. Couple this with factors such as narrow seasonal windows, productivity demands and safety considerations, and the need for smarter decisions becomes imperative. Going one step further, global food demands and environmental pressures are further increasing demand for precise, accurate and intelligent farming solutions.
Love, Jennifer
This SAE Recommended Practice provides test procedures, requirements, and guidelines for side turn signal lamps intended for use on vehicles 12 m or more in overall length, except pole trailers. Side turn signal lamps conforming to the requirements of this document may be used on other large vehicles such as trucks, truck tractors, buses, and other applications where this type of lighting device is desirable.
Heavy Duty Lighting Standards Committee
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) establishes the overall component and system function guidelines and minimum performance levels for a TPMS. These guidelines include, but are not limited to: Design recommendations for system components, which: Monitor tire inflation Are located in/on the tire/wheel assembly, landing gear axle, and/or aircraft avionics compartment Recommended performance and safety guidelines for a TPMS.
A-5 Aerospace Landing Gear Systems Committee
This study presents a comprehensive methodology for optimizing critical UAV structural nodes—specifically Arm Clamps, Landing Gear, and Motor Mounts—using Generative Design (GD) tailored for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) with PLA+. Traditional “plate-and-standoff” UAV constructions often utilize orthogonal geometries that induce stress concentrations and fail to leverage the geometric freedom of additive manufacturing. Furthermore, reliance on expensive CNC machining or injection molding creates supply chain bottlenecks for custom or short-run UAV production. While FFF offers geometric freedom, applying it to structural airframe parts introduces challenges regarding anisotropy, layer adhesion, and material brittleness. This research optimizes these components for standard commercial 3D printers by strictly enforcing manufacturing constraints, including a 40-degree maximum overhang and a 0.4 mm nozzle size, to ensure printability without internal support structures. A significant
Krishna Bansal, Vaibhav
Initial weight estimation from Top Level Aircraft Requirements (TLAR) is a critical first step in aircraft design, yet existing empirical methods are inadequate for novel configurations such as those using Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) or Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). This paper presents a hybrid methodology for top-level weight estimation of such unconventional aircraft. The approach is based on modifying a conventional baseline aircraft, integrating a new statistical model with component-specific weight estimations. A multivariate regression model to estimate the empty weight fraction (We/W0) was developed from a dataset of 44 conventional aircraft, yielding an R-squared value of 0.833. This statistical model was integrated with physics-based models for novel components, including cryogenic fuel tanks and fuel systems. The methodology accounts for iterative changes to fuselage structure and parasitic drag. Four configurations were analyzed: fuel types being Jet A1, SAF, LH2 with aft
Goyal, Tushar
It is a general practice to test aero engines to evaluate their performance in specially designed indoor test facilities after assembly, repaired or overhaul. Acoustic features are provided in the test facility to attenuate the noise level to a comfortable and acceptable level. Design of these features specially air intake and exhaust silencers are a challenging task in a flow field like aero-engine test facility considering the very high sound pressure level generated by them during test containing a very wide frequency band. Moreover, growing population and location of these facilities in the vicinity of residential areas has added this challenge in multifold. Also, the capital investment in building these facilities is huge due to their large size and longer construction time. Hence, the correct execution at first shot including design, fabrication and commissioning is very important. An attempt has been made to reduce design errors or improve the accuracy in the design stage by
Gouda, Bansidhar
Acoustic-induced vibrations pose a significant risk to launch vehicle hardware and payload reliability during critical phases such as lift-off and transonic phase. Reducing such vibrations is especially challenging when the hardware has already been fabricated, limiting the possibility of structural redesign. This study demonstrates a practical post-fabrication solution using a thin viscoelastic polymer coating applied externally to fully assembled hardware. Comprehensive evaluations were conducted using both acoustic testing and Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) before and after coating application. During acoustic test, a substantial decrease in structure response from 150Hz to 2000Hz, with a reduction of approximately 50% in the grms values was observed for the coated structure demonstrating significant vibration mitigation over a wide frequency range. In contrast, EMA measurements using impact excitation revealed that the response transfer functions did not show a significant
Avirah, Nohin KPanda, Ajay KumarShaikh, Altafhusen
Digital engineering practices in aerospace increasingly require closely connected and traceable analysis workflows rather than isolated finite element tasks. Traditional FEA methods remain effective, but they involve considerable manual effort during pre- processing and post-processing, making rapid iteration difficult. Finite Element Analysis of STructures (FEAST), an indigenous finite element analysis software developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) ISRO, offers structural analysis capabilities through a command-based architecture, yet its manual operation limits its use in automated studies. This work develops a flexible scripting-driven framework that links geometry creation, load-case definition, solver execution, and result interpretation within a unified digital engineering pipeline. The framework automates repetitive tasks, incorporates Design of Experiments (DoE) for systematic parameter variation, and supports sensitivity and automation studies. Its performance is
Gupta, ShivangiT J, Raj ThilakP, Deepak
Submarine-launched missiles with domed nose cones are highly vulnerable to cavitation erosion as they travel at high speed through an underwater launch tube and then into the air from the sea surface. The collapse of vapour cavities crystallizes intense damage on the vehicle surfaces so that the vehicle structure and aerodynamic performance are threatened. In this work, we show the full 3D numerical and analytical analysis of surface protection concepts for the reduction of cavitation damage on such an axisymmetric dome-shaped body. A computational methodology was developed by importing a complex computer-aided design (CAD) model of a dome and the connecting tubular structure into a high-fidelity simulation environment. The geometry was simplified by omitting non-essential details to facilitate the generation of quality mesh for CFD analysis. Simulations have been carried out to analyze the flow field and pressure distribution under two critical stages, at two angles of attack of 0
Velayudhan, GauthamP S, PremkumarS, Suhail AhmedP, KrishnakumarVasantharaj, C
This study systematically evaluated the wear resilient performance of AZ61 magnesium alloy reinforced with 15 wt.% SiC and diverse amounts of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) under dry sliding circumstances adopting pin-on-disc apparatus (ASTM G99). To identify the influence of factors like sliding speed (SS) (1-3 m/s), axial load (AL) (10-30 N), and MWCNT concentration (0-3 wt.%) that affect tribological performance, experiments were developed using a Central Composite Design (CCD) under Response Surface Methodology (RSM). SEM micrographs revealed a dispersion optimum near 2 wt.% MWCNT, where CNTs anchor to SiC and bridge the α-Mg matrix, while 3 wt.% shows agglomerates and micro-voids. Findings showed that wear loss (WL) and friction coefficient (CoF) was greatly amplified by increasing AL owing to localized heating and contact stresses. A compacted tribolayer was formed by increasing SS, which decreased WL but marginally raised the CoF. At low AL (10 N), SS (2.09 m/s), and
Senthilkumar, N.
The payload fairing of a launch vehicle is subjected to extremely high acoustic loads, with peak levels occurring during lift-off and transonic aerodynamic regimes. The external acoustic field penetrates the fairing, producing intense internal sound pressure levels that can challenge the integrity of spacecraft components. Accurate characterization of the vibroacoustic behavior of the payload fairing and its enclosed cavity is therefore essential to ensure spacecraft survivability. The internal acoustic field is governed by the coupled dynamics of the fairing structure and the spacecraft configuration, making it critical to quantify the acoustic environment for different payload arrangements. This study presents a detailed vibroacoustic analysis of a payload fairing with multiple spacecraft configurations to evaluate the resulting internal sound pressure distribution. Vibroacoustic finite element analysis is employed in the low frequency range, while statistical energy analysis is
S R, Arun RajJayan, MahindGeorge, P
The paper presents a method for enhancing the static pressure calibration of a high-performance aircraft. Despite the pre-flight calibration using CFD and Wind Tunnel techniques, position errors are generally observed in the free stream parameters, which necessitate further calibration of air data sensors using flight test data. In the present research, the pressure coefficient is estimated as a time-varying parameter in the flight path reconstruction environment implemented using the Extended Kalman Filtering technique. Aircraft kinematic equations were used for the implementation of the state and measurement models, and flight test data from full flight sorties were used in the estimation process. An extensive validation of the on-board air data calibration tables was conducted. Mean values of the static pressure coefficient were updated using data from multiple sorties, each including computed mean errors from three independent sensors. A comparative analysis between the pre
TK, Khadeeja NusrathPatel, Dr. Ambalal VJ, Prabhavathi Bhai
Launch vehicle structures are designed to withstand flight loads while fulfilling their intended functional requirements. Most of these structures use cylindrical geometries and employ stiffened configurations—such as isogrid, orthogrid, or skin-stiffened designs—comprising multiple long panels to efficiently carry dominant compressive loads. Traditional FE analyses generally use simplified or idealized imperfection models, which often do not represent the imperfections present in actual hardware and therefore tend to over/under-predict load-carrying capacity based on the initial assumed imperfection level. In reality, long stiffened panels are highly sensitive to geometric imperfections introduced during manufacturing. These include spring-back effects from roll bending as well as deviations accumulated during assembly. Such manufacturing-induced variations can significantly diminish the effective load-bearing capability of the structure. The subject hardware—an isogrid cylindrical
Sharma, AmitSingh, NishantXavier, ShijoR, Suresh
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