Lecture 10: Configurations

Jason Mickey

For AE 440 A/C LectureSeptember 2009

Configuration Responsibilities• Design and determine the location, relationship

and weights of primary component parts• Calculate the center-of-gravity range and

moments of inertia (to Stability)• Integrate and control all external dimensions,

including cross-sectional and plan-form aspects (wing data from Aerodynamics; non-wing data to Aerodynamics)

• Integrate all configurations with CAD renderings• Get structural component dimensions and design

and optimize remaining internal component placement

Design ConsiderationsF-16 design included multiple

weapons and multiple mission roleswith high performance

Key parameters included:-wing loading-thrust loading

-control issues (at M~1 & M>1)-empty-weight fraction

-pilot g tolerances

Design Considerations

Grumman QSPConcept Selection

3-View• Important quantitative aspect• Located near the front• Introduce overall features of the design

Design Considerations

F-18 Internal Configuration

X-32 3-D Solid Model

Digital modeling reduces design rework, minimizes scrap, and

significantly lowers assembly defects

Weights and Balances

Ixx, Iyy, Izz

About c.g. Needed for

Stability

Center-of-gravity Travel

Configure fuel system and payload placement

to minimize travel

Systems

• Electrical• Hydraulic• Auxiliary• Avionics

(AE 441) Electrical

(AE 441) Hydraulic

(AE 441) Auxiliary and Avionics

• Air Conditioners• Bleed-air• Avionics locations• Cross-flow for engine restart

Samples of Configurations from Previous CDRs

AE 440 3-View/Isometric View

AE 440 Selection Reasoning

• “The best LSA configuration for internal configuration reasons would be the LWT because having the fuel in the wings creates a more stable platform as it lowers the y-axis center of gravity which is discussed further in Section 6.4…”

AE 441 Final Configuration

AE 441 Final Configuration

Weight Buildup

CDR Suggestions• Re-estimate aircraft weight/size every week• Design deployment aspects & work with cost• Incorporate data for external configuration• Place components for internal configuration• Communicate design problems and conflicts• Get details on sub-systems size, weight, cost• Trade studies: e.g. size vs. payload weight