Design and experimental structural analysis of a solar powered aircraft wing structure

Abstract

Structural architecture plays a vital role in the design of solar powered aircraft. Wing analysis is critical as wings experience different loads and stresses. The objective of this work is to explore the use of renewable energy sources in aircraft technology in the form of solar-powered aircraft. The number of solar panels needed for a manned aircraft is determined based on the several solar factors. Thus this paper initially deals with the design of the wing structure for a solar powered two-seater aircraft. Also, the present work experimentally analyses the structural responses of a composite wing panel with and without the solar panel which makes this study significant.

Integrated Design and Flight Validation of Solar-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Structure and Propulsion System

“…The UAV adopts a mid-wing layout. The mid-wing layout helps reduce interference drag, but the main consideration here is that the mid-wing layout is advantageous for connecting the segmented wings with the fuselage, and it also reduces the load transfer path [28]. The UAV's propulsion system adopts a single-pull configuration.…”