Structural Analysis
& Design
Innovative
Advances: Scaled Composites is known for
innovative advances in Structural Composites Technology
- not only in the aircraft field, but other areas as well.
Many specific examples of different structural issues that
Scaled has solved can be seen under our project descriptions.
Scaled uses Finite Element Modeling software
to aid in the design of structural components. Buckling
Analysis, Modal Analysis, and Non-Linear solutions are a
few examples of FEM uses within Scaled. FEM is used in conjunction
with other design software and hand calculations to provide
very reliable structural designs. Our modeling techniques
have been extensively validated throught test results of
small and large scale structures.
R&D: Scaled is
also heavily involved in Research and Development work in
the composites arena. Much effort is currently being placed
toward developing new manufacturing techniques that will
be vital to future aerospace success. In addition, new materials
and processes are being tested on a regular basis - always
in search of the best materials for aerospace applications.
Much of our research work focuses on cost-effective applications
of composites.
Design and Integration: In
addition to structural composites work, Scaled is quite
experienced in the design and integration of aircraft systems.
Landing gear systems on most Scaled aircraft have been designed
and fabricated in-house. Almost every type of propulsion
system that exists has been integrated on a Scaled project
- piston, turbofan, turboshaft, turboprop, and rocket engines.
Many other system components such as flight controls, hydraulics,
fuel, pressurization, avionics, electrical, and ECS have
been successfully incorporated in Scaled vehicles. We have
also been involved with unique systems such as parachute
recovery devices and rotorcraft powerplant and drive systems.
The efficient use of advanced composite materials,
with thoughtful system integration, allows Scaled to routinely
deliver products that meet or exceed our customer's requirements.
Next page:
Tooling