3576. Automation Methods Of Aircraft Weight Activities

Paper

Abstract

This paper presents the optimization and automation efforts for aircraft weight activities in aircraft design projects. Those weight activities involve monitoring the aircraft total weight and inertia, evaluation of weight breakdown and calculation of mass and inertia distribution. The results are then submitted to project management, flight mechanics, structural analyses and design groups. The methods and tools developed for this study provide less time-consuming process and more accurate results. The mass and inertia properties of the aircraft are subject to change progressively during an aircraft design process. The challenge is to monitor those changes and report their effects instantly. An integrated system is designed to make all those weight activities to be automatically performed and controlled. The system works simultaneously with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and provides real time monitoring of weight properties and weight breakdown of aircraft. In addition, this system helps the weight data to be more accessible and updated. Also, mass and inertia distribution of aircraft is evaluated in this integrated system as the mass model, consisting of lumped masses, required from related analysis groups. The most common method for this mass distribution calculation is slicing functions of CAD software. However, the methods developed for the weight activities help overcome the inefficiencies of solely depending on CAD software for large assemblies consisting of thousands of detailed parts, sub-assemblies, equipments, harness, systems etc. These tools are designed to be used in all phases of the aircraft design process, from conceptual to detailed design. In conclusion, the integrated system developed for the automation of weight activities is mentioned and compared to common methods used in industry. The advantages and impact of those new methods and tools to aircraft design are presented.