Beechcraft Bonanza A36 – Battery Shelf Redesign


Project Overview:
Performed all engineering tasks for the design and structural substantiation of a redesigned battery shelf for Beechcraft Bonanza A36.  A significantly larger battery was required to cold start the turboprop aircraft.

Customer:
Aviation Technologies, Inc.

Services Performed:
PEI provided design, analysis, and DER approval to support the redesign of the battery shelf 

Structural Analysis and  FAA DER Approval:

  • Generated system level finite element models, baseline and modified
  • Modeled battery to determine center of gravity and tie-down locations
  • Performed quasi-static analysis with limit maneuver loads 
  • Performed equivalency and detailed stress analysis, including mechanical joints (bolted and riveted)
  • Provided DER review and approval via FAA Form 8110-3

Engineering Design:

  • Conducted site survey to measure and document Beechcraft Bonanza A36 battery compartment
  • Modeled local aircraft structure in the vicinity of the current battery shelf
  • Designed preliminary enlarged battery shelf and aircraft reinforcements required for higher loading
  • After structural evaluation, completed detail design of new battery shelf and reinforcing structures
  • Conducted Design Reviews with Aviation Technologies, Inc. representatives
  • Generated all detail part, assembly, and installation drawings