Analytical Fuselage and Wing Weight Estimation of Transport Aircraft

https://doi.org/10.21949/14035801996PDFResearch PaperTransport aircraftFuselagesWings (Aircraft)Weight measurementWeightStatistical analysisACSYNTAircraft Synthesis computer programPDCYLStructural programsWeight estimationArdema, Mark D.Chambers, Mark C.Patron, Anthony P.Hahn, Andrew S.Miura, HirokazuMoore, Mark D.Santa Clara University (Calif.)Ames Research CenterNTL-AVIATION-AVIATIONUS Transportation CollectionA method of estimating the load-bearing fuselage weight and wing weight of transport aircraft based on fundamental structural principles has been developed. This method of weight estimation represents a compromise between the rapid assessment of component weight using empirical methods based on actualweights of existing aircraft, and detailed, but time-consuming, analysis using the finite element method. The method was applied to eight existing subsonic transports for validation and correlation. Integration of the resulting computer program, PDCYL, has been made into the weights-calculating module of the AirCraft SYNThesis (ACSYNT) computer program. ACSYNT has traditionally used only empirical weight estimation methods; PDCYL adds to ACSYNT a rapid, accurate means of assessing the fuselage and wing weights of unconventional aircraft. PDCYL also allows flexibility in the choice of structural concept, as well as a direct means of determining the impact of advanced materials on structural weight.Using statistical analysis techniques, relations between the load-bearing fuselage and wing weights calculated by PDCYL and corresponding actual weights were determined. A User's Manual and two sample outputs, one for a typical transport and another for an advanced concept vehicle, are given in the appendices. Work of the first two authors was supported by NASA Ames ResearchCenter Grant NCC2-5068.84