Project Overview:
Performed all design and structural analysis engineering tasks for the NASA ACTIVATE aircraft crown modification.
Customer:
SSAI for NASA Langley
Services Performed:
PEI provided design, analysis, DER approval, and manufacturing support for development of the HU-25A crown modification and instrument suite mounting.
Structural Analysis and FAA DER Approval:
- Generated system level finite element model
- Calculated instrument drag loads
- Performed quasi-static analysis for aero loads, internal pressure, and limit maneuver loads
- Performed global and detailed stress including mechanical joints (bolted and riveted)
- Provided DER review and approval via FAA Form 8110-3
Engineering Design:
- Two site surveys to measure and document HU-25A aircraft
- Create solid models of five instruments and four pylons mounting to the aircraft crown aft of cockpit
- Modeled local aircraft structure (Frames 9 through 13, stringers 1-5)
- Designed preliminary reinforcements for instrument mounting
- After structural evaluation, completed detail design of reinforcing structures
- Conducted Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews at NASA Langley
- Generated all detail part and assembly drawings
- Coordinated with fabrication vendor and provided NASA with reinforcement components