STRUCTURES MMTB Flashcards
The basic questions of
configuration, arrangement,
size and weight, and
performance are answered
Conceptual Design
Begins when the major changes are over
Preliminary Design
Begins in which the actual
pieces to be fabricated are designed.
Detail Design
Mathematical modeling of the outside
skin of the aircraft with sufficient
accuracy to ensure proper fit between its
different parts designed by different designers.
Lofting
Structural Weight is between 30 to 35%
of the total weight
PRELIMINARY WEIGHT ESTIMATE
Total Weight of the aircraft as it begins the mission for which it was designed.
Design Take-off Gross Weight
𝑊𝐶𝑟𝑒𝑤 + 𝑊𝑝𝑎𝑦𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 + 𝑊𝑓𝑢𝑒𝑙 + 𝑊𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑡
𝑊0/ total weight
Part of the fuel supply that is available for
performing the mission
Mission Fuel
Fuel which cannot be pumped out of the
tanks
Trapped Fuel
The firing of gun and missiles, and is often
left out of the sizing analysis
Weapon Drop
Rate of fuel consumption divided by the
thrust
Specific Fuel Consumption
A measure of the design’s overall aerodynamic efficiency
Lift-to-Drag Ratio
Curvature characteristics of most airfoil
Camber
Line equidistant from the upper and lower surfaces
Mean Camber Line
Maximum thickness of the airfoil divided by its chord
Airfoil Thickness Ratio
𝑡/c
Thickness Ratio
Point about which the pitching moment
remains constant for any angle of attack
Aerodynamic Center
Ratio between the dynamic and the
viscous forces in a liquid
Reynold’s Number
Lift coefficient at which the airfoil has the
best 𝐿⁄𝐷
Point in the airfoil drag polar that is tangent to a line from origin and closest
to the vertical axis
DESIGN LIFT COEFFICIENT
Stall from the trailing edge
Turbulent boundary layer increases with
angle of attack
Fat Airfoils (𝒕⁄𝒄 > 𝟏𝟒%)
Flow Separates near the nose at a very small angle of attack but reattaches itself so that little effect is felt.
At higher angle of attacks the flow fails to
attach, which almost immediately stalls
the entire airfoil
Moderate Thick Airfoils (6-14%)
The flow separates from the nose at a
small angle and reattaches almost
immediately
Very Thin Airfoils (𝒕⁄𝒄 < 𝟔%)
Cause the wing to stall first at the root.
Twisting/Washout
Drag increases with increasing thickness
due to separation
AIRFOIL THICKNESS RATIO