High-Fidelity Simulation of High-Strain Gradient Regions of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Abstract

This technical paper focuses on predicting strains in the high strain gradient regions of landing gear to airframe joints in the nose module of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) using a non-linear analysis approach. The study aims to improve the accuracy of strain prediction by considering Geometric non-linear behavior, load conditions, and contact interactions. The simulation is carried out on the nose module of the UAV for landing loads and strains were predicted at locations where landing gear is connected to the airframe of the UAV. The results of the simulation are verified through testing. The findings of this study provide valuable insight into accurately predicting strains in high-strain gradient regions. The non-linear analysis approach adopted in this study has the potential to accurately estimate physical testing results, thereby enabling designers to arrive at an optimal design. Thus, this paper emphasizes the importance and effectiveness of the non-linear analysis approach in achieving the objective of accurate strain prediction.