Weight estimation of a conceptual wing for a high altitude, solar powered unmanned aerial vehicle

Alsahlani, A; Rahulan, T

Abstract

In this paper, an in-house developed pre-conceptual design methodology and a composite structure module have
been used to study the impact of aerodynamic performance, payload requirements and wing thickness to estimate
the weight. In the first part, a pre-conceptual design methodology is introduced to examine the weight estimation
for a conceptual high altitude, long endurance, solar powered aircraft, called ‘SUMER’, operating at 17 km altitude
and 31o latitude (southern Iraq). The impact of aerodynamic performance parameters such as lift, drag and span
efficiencies on the weight estimation are investigated. The study also includes estimation of the payload and the
power consumption. This pre-conceptual design methodology establishes all the relationships between the
components with analytical functions using their characteristics. This approach can directly provide a unique and
optimal design for a given set of mission requirements. In the second part, an in-house developed low order
composite structure module has been used to design and optimise the wing structure in addition to studying the
impact of the maximum thickness of the wing and the spar dimensions on the weight. Detailed buckling
characteristics were also taken into account during the study. The final conceptual design of the SUMER is
introduced as a case study in this investigation.

Citation

Alsahlani, A., & Rahulan, T. (2016, October). Weight estimation of a conceptual wing for a high altitude, solar powered unmanned aerial vehicle. Presented at 5th Aircraft Structural Design Conference, Manchester, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: 5th Aircraft Structural Design Conference
• Conference Location: Manchester, UK
• Start Date: Oct 4, 2016
• Acceptance Date: Oct 4, 2016
• Deposit Date: Jun 21, 2017
• Related Public URLs: https://www.aerosociety.com/events/catch-up-on-events/conference-proceedings/; https://www.aerosociety.com/
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference