Design and optimisation of a composite fuel tank used in unmanned helicopters
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Swerea SICOMP AB - Swerea SICOMP, LINKÖPING |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 325 000 |
| Project duration | December 2016 - November 2017 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The aim of the project is to perform detailed investigations, identify and suggest solutions for critical areas in CybAero´s current fuel tank design. This investigation was performed on three stages: coupon experimental testing, finite element simulations and full scale testing on the company´s actual fuel tank.
Expected long term effects
Experimental coupon testing was performed to characterize the mechanical properties of the fuel tank´s layup. This testing provided information about the linear elastic properties, as well as about the damage propagation pattern. This was used as input into the finite element calculations, where the critical areas that require attention were identified. These results were at the next stage confirmed by performing semi-static water pressure tests on a fuel tank and suggestions for a detailed design were discussed.
Approach and implementation
Within this project, CybAero gained knowledge on the following topics: firstly, the exact layup which is used for the fuel tank was mechanically characterized; elastic modulus as well as the stiffness degradation. This is valuable input for the FEM simulations of any kind. Critical areas were identified with the FEM simulations and a detailed design was suggested. Finally, the exact stress capacity (strength), until first leak, of the fuel tank was experimentally identified.