Design of Aircraft

Description

Design of Aircraft is intended as a text for a senior-level (capstone) aerospace or aeronautics engineering course dealing with the conceptual design of aircraft. The approach is to demonstrate how theoretical aspects, drawn from topics on airplane aerodynamics, aircraft structures, stability and control, propulsion, and compressible flows can be applied to produce a new conceptual aircraft design. The book uses theoretical expressions wherever possible to seek optimums, but also stresses the interplay between different aspects of the design that often require compromises. As necessary, it draws on historical information to provide necessary input parameters, especially at an early stage of the design process. In addition, trends are used to provide checks on design elements to determine if they deviate too far from historical norms. A sample case study of a conceptual supersonic business jet runs through the chapters to illustrate each design step.

Key Features of the Book

• The process of the conceptual design of an aircraft is divided into 14 elements that are covered in sequential chapters. These range from the initial design proposal to the unit cost estimate. For each element, the degree of optimization based on design drivers can be examined.
• Microsoft Excel spreadsheets are included for each element of the design to perform iterative or repetitive calculations, and graph results. Each chapter contains a detailed description of the spreadsheet structure for that element, so that students can easily make modifications that suit their specific designs.
• In addition to the case study covered throughout the chapters, the Appendix includes two complete case studies with spreadsheets, for a large transport aircraft and a small kit aircraft.
• The chapters also contain individual problems that are designed to examine potential optimums and sensitivity of the different design elements to input parameters. Some of these problems are “open ended” and require interpretation and discussion.

The approach of this book is to demonstrate how theoretical aspects, drawn from topics on airplane aerodynamics, aircraft structures, stability and control, propulsion, and compressible flows, can be applied to produce a new conceptual aircraft design. The book cites theoretical expressions wherever possible, but also stresses the interplay of different aspects of the design which often require compromises.

• Process of the conceptual design of an aircraft—Broken down into 14 steps and covered in Chapters 2 through 13.

• Use of a spreadsheet approach is stressed for iterative and repetitive calculations—Sample spreadsheets, in Microsoft Excel, covering each step of the design are provided for each chapter, except 1 and 13.

• Detailed description of the spreadsheet structure—At the end of each chapter.

  • Allows students to easily make modifications.

• Individual problems at the end of each chapter—Designed to utilize the spreadsheet to document different degrees of dependence of the aircraft characteristics on changing input conditions.

 1. Introduction.

 2. Preliminary Estimate of Take-Off Weight.

 3. Wing Loading Selection.

 4. Main Wing Design.

 5. Fuselage Design.

 6. Horizontal and Vertical Tail Design.

 7. Engine Selection.

 8. Take-Off and Landing.

 9. Enhanced Lift Design.

10. Structural Design and Material Selection.

11. Static Stability and Control.

12. Cost Estimate.

13. Design Summary and Trade Study.