Sketch 3D sketch of frame Frame Model Landing Gear 1st attempt simulation Landing gear 2nd attempt simulation (better)
After changing the
size/shape of my material, it performed better under stress. Wing force analysis Material Choice + Cost Analysis + Weight I chose to use aluminium because it is a light material but also durable and inexpensive, and it is known for its use in the aerospace industry.
My frame is also 281.93 pounds and at
the current price for aluminum (83 cents per pound), my frame would cost $234. Reflection questions 1. How did your design perform? Did it perform as you expected from when you first envisioned it (your sketch)? It performed well, as I thought it would from my sketch because I used common trusses to create structural stability that are known to be good. 2. What additional simulations could you perform on your fuselage? a. How would you predict you fuselage would perform from these? I could test for the forward force of the engine and I think my fuselage would perform well, although not as well as in the other tests. 3. How did changing the material type change your simulation? It allowed me to fit the weight requirement while simultaneously letting me have more supports in my fuselage. 4. How did changing the material shape change your simulation? It made me able to use less weight with stronger individual bars and made my fuselage perform better. 5. What do you you know now that you wish you knew when you began sketching ideas? That inventor does not allow for arcs and how heavy different shaped bars are compared to each other. 6. What role does material selection have in aerospace & aviation design? It is extremely important because different materials have different weights and strengths that are better suited for different purposes, especially in aviation because flight can require extremely light materials. 7. What did you learn? I learned a lot about different shaped supports and how they can affect a frame as well as how heavier materials aren't always stronger in some shapes.