Structure Analysis and Optimization of Transitioning UAV

With the aim to develop more efficient aircraft configurations, the Blended-Wing-Body (BWB) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles have grown attention in recent years. Compared to conventional aircraft configurations, the BWB structure has several advantages in aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

Topology Optimization (TO) is also a relatively new structure optimization approach which has applied successfully in automotive industry for a considerable time. In this paper, topology optimization method will be applied on a special BWB structure UAV called BITU on both 2D and 3D models in ABAQUS.

The optimization goal is to minimize compliance energy under specified loading and boundary conditions which will be computed in modeling and simulation section. Finally, optimized result compared to initial design will demonstrate TO is a rational and efficient design tool for structure optimization, especially in Aircraft industry.

Design for Additive Manufacturing

Design For Manufacturing (DFM) has typically meant that designers should tailor their designs to eliminate manufacturing difficulties and minimize manufacturing, assembly, and logistics costs.

However, the capabilities of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies provide an opportunity to rethink DFM to take advantage of the unique capabilities of these technologies:

1) Shape complexity: It is possible to build virtually any shape.

2) Hierarchical complexity: Hierarchical multiscale structures can be designed and fabricated from the microstructure through geometric mesostructure (sizes in the millimeter range) to the part-scale macrostructure

3) Material complexity: Material can be processed one point, or one layer, at a time.

4) Functional complexity: Fully functional assemblies and mechanisms can be fabricated directly using AM processes.

These unique capabilities enable new opportunities for customization, very significant improvements in product performance, multifunctionality, and lower overall manufacturing costs.

In the case of UAVs, AM technology enables low-volume manufacturing, easy integration of design changes and, at least as importantly, piece part reductions to greatly simplify product assembly.

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