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Transcript

Preparation Task (10 minutes)

Research Task (30 minutes)

Analysis Task (30 minutes)

Create Task (40 minutes)

Hear from a professional in this role to see how they might approach this task.The following pages are a detailed model answer for the work simulation on Preliminary Aircraft Design, geared towards a student interested in becoming an Aerospace Engineer.

Document and Present (15 minutes)

Reflection Task (15 minutes)

Expected Outcome

Model Answer

Simulation

PREPARAtion task

Preparation Task

  • Aerodynamics: Understanding the importance of aircraft configuration, including components such as wing shape, tail shape and position, and landing gear.
  • Structural Integrity: Ensuring the aircraft’s structure can withstand various stresses during flight and considering any additional structure needed, such as wing struts.
  • Weight Distribution: Balancing the aircraft to ensure stability and performance and considering wing position in relation to your engine placement.
  • Engine Placement: Deciding where to place the engines to optimise thrust.
  • Fuselage Design: Determining the shape and structure of the main body to cargo and house passengers.

Objective: Identify key components and steps in preliminary aircraft design and define design requirements and constraints.

Identify Key Components:

  • Passenger Capacity: The aircraft should carry 50-70 passengers.
  • Range: The aircraft should have a range of 1,000-1,500 miles.
  • Environmental Impact: The design should aim to minimise fuel consumption and emissions.
  • Cost: The design should be cost-effective to produce and operate.

Define Design Requirements:

  • Key Steps:
  • Define design requirements and constraints.
  • Research existing aircraft models.
  • Conduct a SWOT analysis.
  • Sketch a basic design concept.
  • Create a 2D model using CAD software.

Key Steps:

Simulation

research task

  • Aircraft Models: Focus on models like the Bombardier CRJ700, Embraer E170, and ATR 72.
  • Performance Metrics: Gather data on each aircraft’s range, cruising speed, fuel efficiency, and passenger capacity.
  • Design Features: Note wing configurations, engine placements, and fuselage designs.

Research Task

Collect and compile data on existing small passenger aircraft models to inform design decisions.

Collect Data:

Compile Data:

  • Use a spreadsheet to organise the data, with columns for aircraft model, range, speed, fuel efficiency, passenger capacity, wing configuration, engine placement, and special features.

*Click to expand

Simulation

Analysis Task

Analysis Task

Conduct a SWOT analysis to evaluate design options and choose the best approach for the aircraft.

  • Choose Bombardier CRJ700 as the base model due to its balance of efficiency and performance, which is ideal for regional routes with a range of up to 1,500 miles. Other choices could be considered with sufficient justification.

Design Decision:

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Simulation

Create Task

  • Wing Configuration: Low wing for better stability and efficiency.
  • Engine Placement: Rear fuselage, as it aids in aerodynamics and noise reduction.
  • Fuselage Design: A streamlined body to reduce drag, with a slightly wider fuselage to accommodate 70 passengers comfortably.

  • Use CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) to create a 2D model
  • Wings: Attach low wings with a slight dihedral angle for stability.
  • Engines: Mount two engines at the rear fuselage.
  • Fuselage: Design a sleek, rounded fuselage with an aerodynamic nose and a tail fin for stability.
  • Ensure the design adheres to the defined constraints and integrates features to enhance performance and efficiency.
Other design choices, such as wing and engine placements, could be considered if sufficiently justified.

Create Task

Develop a preliminary 2D model of the aircraft using CAD software.

Basic Design Elements:

Use CAD software:

*Click to expand

CAD Modeling:

Simulation

Document and Present

Compile research, analysis, and design work into a presentation.

Slides:

  • Introduction: Overview of the design goals and constraints.
  • Research Findings: Summary of the data collected on existing aircraft models.
  • SWOT Analysis: Key points from the analysis of different design options.
  • Design Concept: Description of the chosen design, including a rationale for each major design decision.
  • 2D Model: Visuals of the 2D model from different angles, highlighting key features.
  • Conclusion: Summary of the design’s potential advantages and areas for future refinement.
Prepare for Feedback:
  • Share the presentation with peers or a mentor for feedback.
  • Be ready to explain and defend your design choices, as well as discuss any areas that could be improved.

View the modelanswer presentation

Simulation

Reflection Task

Reflect on the Process:

  • Challenges: One of the main challenges was identifying and balancing design requirements such as passenger capacity, range, and environmental impact, while also incorporating key design elements like wing configuration, engine placement, and fuselage design. Additionally, researching multiple aircraft models and comparing performance metrics presented its own complexities in terms of selecting the most suitable base model.
  • Successes: A key success in the process was the ability to effectively gather and compile data on existing small passenger aircraft models, which informed sound design choices. The SWOT analysis was particularly successful in narrowing down the decision to use the Bombardier CRJ700 as the base model, based on its strong balance between fuel efficiency, range, and performance.

  • Real-World Impact: This experience translates to real-world aerospace engineering, particularly in the design of commercial aircraft for regional travel. Understanding the key components of preliminary design, such as aerodynamics, structural integrity, and weight distribution, will help me tackle complex design challenges in future projects. Applying this knowledge in a commercial aircraft design context could involve optimising aircraft for fuel efficiency, balancing performance with environmental goals, or ensuring structural safety while minimising costs.
  • Skill Improvement: In the future, I will look to further my understanding of advanced aerodynamics, to help me in refining wing shapes and engine placements for better fuel efficiency and performance. Additionally, improving CAD modeling techniques, particularly in 3D design, could refine my ability to develop more detailed and complex aircraft models.

Process Reflection

Consider Future Applications:

Simulation

Expected outcome

By completing this activity, you have gained practical experience in the early stages of aircraft design. You have successfully:

  • Identified and applied key principles in aircraft design.
  • Conducted thorough research and analysis to inform your design decisions.
  • Created a preliminary 3D model of a small passenger aircraft.
  • Compiled and presented your work in a professional manner.
  • Reflected on the design process, gaining insights that will help you improve your skills and approach to aerospace engineering projects in the future.
This simulation has not only reinforced your understanding of aircraft design but has also equipped you with hands-on experience in balancing design constraints, using CAD tools, and presenting technical information clearly and effectively.

Expected Outcome