Research Projects

2019-2020: "Applying Finite Element Analysis to Manually Optimize 3D Printed Wings"

Abstract: Deviation from internal design of traditional 3D printed aircraft wings will improve strength and weight characteristics by implementing and optimizing curved wall placement. Curved wall and tapering skin thicknesses will be designed in accordance to stress concentrations along a wing. While stress differences between curved wall designs were negligible, they were significantly better than the traditionally designed wing. By applying the curved wall design to 3D printed wings, increased strength will be achieved.

2020-2021: "Design and Optimization Process of a 3D Printed Tandem Aircraft"

Abstract: A tandem aircraft was designed with 3D printing in mind to demonstrate the aerodynamic and structural benefits of such an aircraft.  The elimination of downwash, which decreases lift, and iterative internal wing design will result in favorable flight characteristics.  The aerodynamics of the aircraft were enhanced by altering the aircraft’s wing placement to minimize downwash.  Structural optimization was applied to the aircraft’s wings by implementing different curved wall designs, which resulted in the wing having an improved strength-to-weight ratio.

2021-2022: "Compliant and Aerodynamic Characteristics of a 3D Printed Variable Camber Aircraft Wing" 

Abstract: A 3D printed aircraft wing was designed so that the camber of the wing can be altered to achieve different aerodynamic characteristics.  Finite Element Analysis was used to simulate stress on aircraft, in order to test the compliance of the 3D printed wing.  Computational Fluid Dynamics was used to simulate airflow over the wing at various levels of camber and angle of attack, and aerodynamic data was obtained to determine the optimal wing configuration at different flights situations, such as takeoff, landing, and cruising.