Keywords

solar aircraft, HALE aircraft, high altitude long endurance, HAPS, high altitude psuedo satellite, SR-HALE, optimization, design

Abstract

This paper examines the defining characteristics of various solar aircraft configurations through gradient-based multidisciplinary design optimization. We first present a general gradient-based solar aircraft optimization framework which accounts for nonlinear aeroelastic effects resulting from structural flexibility. We then apply this framework to several discrete SR- HALE aircraft geometric, structural, and propulsion system configuration choices to determine the defining characteristics of each configuration choice.

Original Publication Citation

McDonnell, T., and Ning, A., “An Examination into the Defining Characteristics of Flexible Solar Aircraft Configurations through Optimization,” AIAA Aviation Forum, Dallas, TX, Jun. 2019. doi:10.2514/6.2019-3456

Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2019-6

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/6000

Publisher

AIAA

Language

English

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology

Department

Mechanical Engineering

University Standing at Time of Publication

Assistant Professor

Included in

Engineering Commons

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