See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/342164831

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF UAV AIRFRAME BY USING FEM TECHNIQUES: A

REVIEW

Article in International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology · June 2020

CITATIONS READS

5 5,953

4 authors:

Aadya Mishra Sourav Pal

Chandigarh University The Phoenix Group
14 PUBLICATIONS 19 CITATIONS 14 PUBLICATIONS 17 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Gurmail Singh Malhi Prabhat Singh

Chandigarh University Graphic Era deemed to be University
51 PUBLICATIONS 315 CITATIONS 24 PUBLICATIONS 36 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Prabhat Singh on 14 June 2020.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

International Journal of Mechanical and Production
Engineering Research and Development (IJMPERD)
ISSN(P): 2249–6890; ISSN(E): 2249–8001
Vol. 10, Special Issue, Jun 2020, 195–204
© TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF UAV AIRFRAME BY USING FEM

TECHNIQUES: A REVIEW

AADYA MISHRA, SOURAV PAL, GURMAIL SINGH MALHI & PRABHAT SINGH
Department of Aerospace Engineering, Chandigarh University, India

ABSTRACT

In any UAV configurations, the airframe is one of the principal components of the whole structure. Apart from
housing all the electronics and relevant sensors, the airframe also plays a role in the structural integrity and
aerodynamics of the UAV. Analyzing the airframe design involves its reliability check and the choice of motors and
propellers for necessary flight. Proper analysis of the airframe provides conceptualization of the frame rigidity, the
stability of the UAV and the maximum Take-Off weight the UAV can carry. Finite Element Methods is computerized
method to check the reaction of the substance with all the real world forces, physical effects and vibration. Finite
Element Analysis shows whether a substance will break, wear out, fail or work the way as it was designed to be. This
paper reviews the structural analysis techniques for Airframes by finite elemental analysis and its acceptability in

Original Article
determining the various parameters.

KEYWORDS: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, FEM/FEA, Non-Linear Equation, Composite Material & Stiffness Test

1. INTRODUCTION

UAVs or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, if described in simple words are aircrafts, where the pilot is replaced by
computers and radio-links. But, it is much more than “pilot-less” aircraft in real scenarios. Design and
development of UAVs involves complex design process, so that it can be efficient enough to fly, with its aircrew
on ground.

In recent years, there is a huge demand for unmanned aircrafts for both military and civilian applications.
Due to its diverse nature, the application of UAVs ranges from monitoring a hostile war situation to spraying
chemical on crops. In the last decade, there was a huge technological advancement which encouraged the
manufacturers in massive investment in research and development to produce cost effective, feature rich and
multi-functional UAVs. Functioning of UAVs in dull, dangerous and dirty environment makes it more competent
as compared to its manned counter-part. Since unmanned aircrafts offers low risk and high efficiency in its
mission, there is a steady growth in the field of UAV and its components or sub-systems. With sizes of sensors
getting smaller, there are endless opportunities to mount various payloads suitable with the mission. Though
unmanned aircrafts have great advantages, the development of UAVs is complicated and time consuming.

For both manned and unmanned aircrafts, Airframe refers to the mechanical structure that houses the
wings, fuselage, undercarriage, etc. for manned aircrafts and sensors, payloads, on-board computers, etc. for
unmanned aircrafts. The airframe, for both manned and unmanned aircrafts is actually the basic structure

www.tjprc.org SCOPUS Indexed Journal editor@tjprc.org

196 Aadya Mishra, Sourav Pal, Gurmail Singh Malhi & Prabhat Singh

excluding the propulsion unit. The UAV airframe consists of three categories: Fixed Wing, Helicopter and Multi-Copter.
Based on mission profile and requirement, the airframe of any UAV is chosen. Since, the space is considerably low in
case of UAVs, the design of airframe should be such that all the required sensors and payloads can be mounted on the
airframe, without compromising the aerodynamics or flight performance. Hence, the airframe plays a major role in the
development of unmanned aerial vehicles.

2. BACKGROUND

Analysis of UAV airframe and estimating its strength is of paramount importance in development of any UAV. Thrust
forces generated due to power plant, gravitational forces due to the carried payload, impact load and load due to winds
administer on the structural element of UAVs. Under both dynamic and static loading condition, the airframe should
establish its structural integrity, keeping the size and weight intact. In short, the desired airframe of any UAV should be
light weight and robust. Analysis of the airframe gives an insight to the researcher about the different forces and stress
produced by those forces on the airframe. It helps to determine the frame rigidity, the maximum weight that the UAV can
carry at the time of take-off and the necessary propulsion unit that the UAV can be equipped with. Based on the above
investigated parameters, it will be convenient for any researcher to find out the performance parameters and stability of
the unmanned aircraft.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or Finite Element Method (FEM), are numerical simulations which are done
extensively for structural analysis. In other words, FEA/FEM involves application of mathematics to understand and
evaluate structural, fluidic, thermal and wave behavior, apart from other applications. FEA employs Partial Differential
Equations (PDE) to solve any problem. These equations solves problems in engineering mechanics like evaluating
admissible quantities of a structure (stress, strain, etc.). For any given problem, FEA gives approximate solution and this
predicted result will give an idea how the physical quantity will behave in real world.

3. ANALYSIS OF UAV AIRFRAME BY FEM TECHNIQUES

With the progress of unmanned aircraft technologies, the manufacturing techniques for the same have also improved.
Though manufacturing techniques like Electrical Discharge Machining, Computer Numerical Control, etc were
successful in manufacturing UAVs and their components, they were time consuming and were limited in manufacturing
[1]
complex UAV structure. Klippstein et. al. , in their research paper stated about the manufacturing of UAV of porous
structure by Additive Manufacturing process. They manufactured the UAV by Fused Deposition Modeling and the
material properties were analyzed by Finite Element Analysis, for optimizing the stiffness and reducing the overall
weight. They optimized the shape of the tilting bracket of the UAV. After the successful FE analysis, they concluded that
the optimization creates a bridge to connect 3D printing and topology optimization in manufacturing techniques.

Impact Factor (JCC): 8.8746 SCOPUS Indexed Journal NAAS Rating: 3.11
Structural Analysis of UAV Airframe by using FEM Techniques: A Review 197

Figure 1: FEA for Tilting Bracket of the UAV [1].

Due to less time consuming and providing design freedom, UAV manufacturing by additive manufacturing
techniques is being widely recognized. A light weight multi-rotor UAV structure was developed by synergistic
[2]
combination of iterative designs and fused deposition modeling . The main aim of this research was to reduce the
weight of the UAV. The experiments have demonstrated that lower effort is required in assembly and considerable
increase of flight time. In ANSYS Workbench, they carried out stress plotting by exposing vertical thrust loading at the
tip of the airframe arm. On each arm the maximum displacement was found out to be 3.02 mm and stress level was 2.75
MPa.

Figure 2: Maximum Stress Plot for Multi-copter Airframe Arm [2].

Finally for the whole structure, the displacement was 0.52 mm and stress was 0.57 MPa. After the fabrication
and FE analysis of the multi-copter, the overall weight of the frame was reduced by 22%.

Figure 3: Final Stress plot for the complete Airframe [2].

Non-renewable energy powered UAVs are gaining much popularity these days. Solar powered UAVs, which

www.tjprc.org SCOPUS Indexed Journal editor@tjprc.org

198 Aadya Mishra, Sourav Pal, Gurmail Singh Malhi & Prabhat Singh

have fixed wing airframe, are considered to be a replacement for satellites for applications like disaster monitoring,
[3]
communication, organizational control etc. Ding et. al. has developed a similar fixed wing solar powered UAV
structure by putting flexible plate with bionic stiffener. They optimized the curved stiffener and the structure was inspired
from insect wing. Both the initial structure and optimized structure were analyzed in details under biaxial compression by
using FEM techniques.

Figure 4: Detailed Finite Element Analyses (a) Initial Stiffeners (b) Optimized Stiffeners [3].

Now, this optimized stiffener structure was used on the wing surface and once again detailed FE analysis were
done on the wing, with the bionic stiffener on the surface.

(a)

(b)

(c)
Figure 5: Finite Element result for the bionic grid wing surface structure (a) Wing Structure under static load (b)
Upper Wing Surface (c) Lower Wing Surface [3].

High aspect ratio of the wing is required for High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs. Since the wingspan
[4]
required is high in these UAVs, the gust load highly affects the deformation of wing tip. Chen et. al. studied the
structural design of a solar powered HALE UAV from the perspective of static and dynamic loading, strength and
stiffness. Their work stated about the structural safety of such long wingspan UAVs. UAV Heliplat, a solar powered
HALE UAV was considered for this study. First, static strength of the UAV was calculated and analyzed under cruising
condition.

Impact Factor (JCC): 8.8746 SCOPUS Indexed Journal NAAS Rating: 3.11
Structural Analysis of UAV Airframe by using FEM Techniques: A Review 199

Figure 6: Full Unmanned Aircraft Displacement[4].

Figure 7: Full Unmanned Aircraft Stress [4].

After this, the stiffness analysis is done, by applying bending moment as shown below.

Figure 8: Torsion Analysis Mode [4]

And finally, dynamic loading is done by using MSC Nastan. From both the static strength analysis and bending
analysis, which were done by FEA techniques, it was concluded that for static strength analysis, material damage strength
was higher than maximum stress of the UAV. Also, for the stiffness analysis, bending mode frequency of the UAV is low.

Structural analysis of composite wing of a HALE UAV, by using FEM techniques was carried out [5]. Composite
materials were used to fabricate the wing of the HALE UAV, and subsequent FE analysis was carried upon.
ABAQUS/CAE software was used for the structural analysis of the wing. Made by composites, the result stated that the
new structural configuration is successful against the given loads with Tsai-Wu failure criterion at 0.865.

Figure 9: Tsai-Wu Failure Criterion plot for the Composite Wing [5].

Traffic jam is one of the biggest problems that are encountered in everyday city life. A continuous monitoring is

www.tjprc.org SCOPUS Indexed Journal editor@tjprc.org

200 Aadya Mishra, Sourav Pal, Gurmail Singh Malhi & Prabhat Singh

required in places of high traffic density, so that rapid response can be initiated. A Fixed Wing VTOL (Vertical Take-Off
and Landing) UAV was developed to intercept these problems [6]. Fixed Wing VTOL unmanned aircraft is capable of
flexible maneuvering, require less space to take-off/ land and can move quickly to reach the target destination. The UAV,
having 1.32 m fuselage length and 1.71 m wingspan has undergone structural analysis simulation and margin of safety is
calculated. The structural analysis was done both on wings and fuselage separately.

Figure 10: Display of Deflection (Deflection = 27.71mm from the wing tip) [6]

Figure 11: Von Misses Stress on the wing [6].

Figure 12: Maximum Stresses on Fuselage [6].

Fasteners in aircraft structures play a very major role in aircraft structures in holding the wings and tails with the
[7]
fuselage. Kim et. al. analyzed structural stability of a HALE UAV by evaluating the margin of safety for the fasteners
of the fuselage and the tail. The design of the fasteners of the UAV structure was validated by their analysis.

Impact Factor (JCC): 8.8746 SCOPUS Indexed Journal NAAS Rating: 3.11
Structural Analysis of UAV Airframe by using FEM Techniques: A Review 201

Figure 13: Fasteners between fuselage and main wing [7].

Figure 14: FEM Model for Fastening parts [7].

Crash analysis of UAV fuselage structure where critical components are housed can also be estimated by using
FEM techniques [8]. A hybrid composite fuselage structure was tested under different impact conditions while landing. To
simulate the impact on the fuselage, ANSYS/LS DYNA workbench was used.

www.tjprc.org SCOPUS Indexed Journal editor@tjprc.org

202 Aadya Mishra, Sourav Pal, Gurmail Singh Malhi & Prabhat Singh

Figure 15: Different Impact on the fuselage at the time of landing by Finite Element Boundary Conditions (a)
Vertical Landing (b) Inclined landing with 15° angle (c) Inclined landing with 30° angle [8].

The above results show that the hybrid structure of the fuselage has a remarkable effect on energy absorption. It
is also found out at the time of crash analysis that the acceleration transfer to the payload is upto 39%, of the hybrid
fuselage as compared to the metal fuselage.

[9]
A non-linear structural analysis was carried out by Park , on a carbon composite wing structure of a HALE
UAV. The wing was developed to enhance the flight duration of the UAV. Static load testing was conducted and then the
experimental result was compared with the non-linear finite element analysis result. The main FE analysis was done on
the hollow cylindrical rods that were used as spars in the wings. Then, overall deformation analysis was carried out on
the main wing.

Figure 16: Deformation of cylindrical rods under various loads [9].

Figure 17: Deformation of main wing [9].

Impact Factor (JCC): 8.8746 SCOPUS Indexed Journal NAAS Rating: 3.11
Structural Analysis of UAV Airframe by using FEM Techniques: A Review 203

Figure 18: Strain from FE analysis and static test [9].

The non-linear finite element analysis anticipated the deformation with great efficiency at the time of static
testing. It was observed that the main wing was developed at reduced weight without any structural failure.

[10]
Vasic et. al. presented a modern approach to develop an unmanned aerial vehicle through various design
phases by using laminated composite materials. In their research, the stiffness analysis of the material was carried out
using FEA techniques. Later the experimental test data were validated by the FE analysis data. Based on these data, the
Product Life-cycle Management (PLM) was estimated.

4. CONCLUSIONS

Based on the above study, we can observe that the involvement of finite element analysis is worthwhile in the structural
analysis for the airframe of unmanned aerial vehicle. In type of airframe, configurations can be evaluated by using FEM
techniques. Mainly, in this paper, the structural analysis for Fixed Wing UAVs and Multi-copter UAVs were discussed. It
is noted that, for multi-copter UAVs, how each movable part of the airframe can be analyzed. Also, if analysis of whole
airframe is required, it is advisable to evaluate the different parts and then integrate it into one single unit. Researchers
have developed bionic structures for wings of UAVs which can also be tested by finite element methods, and they are
yielding satisfactory results. Various researchers and engineers worldwide are working on HALE UAVs. The paper also
reviews the airframe analysis for HALE UAVs, which can be seen at some instances. From analyzing the whole structure
to evaluating the strength of fasteners for High Altitude Long Endurance UAVs, FEM techniques are accepted and
implemented everywhere. It is also noted, apart from analyzing fixed wing or multi-rotor airframes, FEM techniques can
be used flawlessly to analyze structural integrity for fixed wing-VTOL configuration, which is basically a hybrid
structure. Even, engineers have utilized FEM techniques in UAV crash analysis of the airframe. Also, Wing components
like spar was tested by finite element technique and predicted satisfied result, which helped in developing the main wing
and the UAV saw the day of light, flying at the stratospheric level at an altitude of 18.5 km above sea level, without
compromising its structure. Thus, it is seen that FEM techniques can be implemented with great ease for structural
analysis of airframe, generating highly gratifying results.

REFERENCES

1. Klippstein H., Hassanin H., Sanchez A. D., Zweiri Y., Seneviratne L., “Additive Manufacturing of Porous Structures for

www.tjprc.org SCOPUS Indexed Journal editor@tjprc.org

 204 Aadya Mishra, Sourav Pal, Gurmail Singh Malhi & Prabhat Singh

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Applications”, Advance Engineering Materials, Vol. 9, Issue 10, 2018.

2. Balasubramanian E., Sagar N., Chandrasekhar U., Salunkhe Y., “Development of light weight multi-rotor UAV structures
through synergistic application of design analysis and fused deposition modelling”, International Journal of Materials and
Product Technology, Vol. 9, Issue 3, pp- 229-238, 2019.

3. Ding Y., Zhou Z., Wang Z., Liu H., Wang K., “Bionic Stiffener Layout Optimization with a Flexible Plate in Solar-Powered
UAV Surface Structure Design”, Applied Sciences, Vol. 9, Issue 23, 2019.

4. Chen R., Zhu X., Zhou Z., Wang Z., Zhang T., “Study of Structure Design of a Solar powered UAV”, IEEE International
Conference on Prognostics and Health Management, Washington, USA, 2018.

5. Rumayshah K. K., Prayoga A., Moelyadi I. M. A., “Design of High Altitude Long Endurance UAV: Structural Analysis of
Composite Wing using Finite Element Method”, IOP Conf. Series: Journal of Physics, Vol. 1005, Issue 1, 2018.

6. Santoso D. W., Putra A. N., “Design and Analysing the Strength of the Structure Fixed Wing Vertical Take Off-Landing
UAV”, Proceedings of the National Seminar on Information technology and Aerospace, Vol. IV, 2018.

7. Kim H., Kim S. J., Kim S., Kim T. U., “Structural Analysis of Fasteners in the Aircraft Structure of the High-Altitude Long-
Endurance UAV”, Journal of Aerospace System Engineering, Vol. 12, Issue 1, pp- 35-41, 2018.

8. Zahran M., Abdelwahab M., “Crash Analysis of UAV Hybrid Composite Fuselage Structure under Different Impact
Conditions”, Materials Science Forum, Vol. 953, pp- 88-94, 2019.

9. Park S. W., Shin J. W., Kim T. U., “Development of the Main Wing Structure of a High Altitude Long Endurance UAV”,
International Journal of Aeronautical & Space Sciences, Vol. 19, pp- 59-71, 2018.

10. Vasic Z., Maksimovic S., Georgijević D., “Applied Integrated Design in Composite UAV Development”, Applied Composite
Materials, Vol. 25, pp- 221-236, 2017.

11. Madeva Nagaral, V Auradi & Ravishankar M K, “Mechanical Behaviour of Aluminium 6061 Alloy Reinforced with Al2O3
& Graphite Particulate Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites”, International Journal of Research in Engineering & Technology
(IJRET), Vol. 1, Issue 2, pp. 193-198

12. International Journal of Applied Mathematics & Statistical Sciences (IJAMSS), Vol. 5, Issue 4, pp. 63-70

13. BEST: International Journal of Management, Information Technology and Engineering (BEST: IJMITE), Vol. 3, Issue 11,
pp. 33-40

14. M. M. B.H.Salleh, Z. Salleh, M. S. Rosdi & S. M Sapuan, “Mechanical Properties of Coconut Carbon Fibre/Epoxy
Composite Material “, International Journal of Mechanical Engineering (IJME), Vol. 2, Issue 3, pp. 55-62

Impact Factor (JCC): 8.8746 SCOPUS Indexed Journal NAAS Rating: 3.11

View publication stats