AERO 215
Introduction to Aerospace Engineering
Spring 2025
Homework 1:
Aircraft Design, Aerodynamic Forces and
Standard Atmosphere
1
PART-1 (b)
Aircraft Data (Boeing 787-9)
1. Weight (W): 250,000250,000250,000 kg
2. Cruise speed (Vcruise): 900900900 km/h =250= 250=250 m/s
3. Wing span: 606060 m
4. Mean aerodynamic chord (MAC) of wing: 777 m
5. Horizontal stabilizer span: 202020 m
6. Mean aerodynamic chord (MAC) of stabilizer: 444 m
7. Distance from CG to wing lift (LW ) action point: 000 m (reference)
8. Distance from CG to horizontal stabilizer lift (LHS ): 202020 m
9. Total thrust at cruise (60% of max thrust): T=120T = 120T=120 kN
➢ Lift Force Calculation
At equilibrium, total lift balances weight:
L=W=mg=(250,000)(9.81)=2.45×106 N
So,
LW+LHS=2.45×106 N
Moment Equilibrium Around CG:
Taking moments about the center of mass (CM):
LW×0+LHS×20=0
Since LW acts at the CG (our reference point), it has no moment contribution.
Solving for LHS:
202.45 106 0
LHS = = 0N
20
This suggests that the entire lift force is generated by the wings alone, meaning the
horizontal stabilizer provides negligible lift in steady-level cruise (which is expected in
most aircraft). However, it may generate a small downward force in reality for stability.
Thus,
LW=2.45×106 N
Thrust Calculation:
Using P=T×V:
P
T=
V
Given:
• Power available at cruise: Approx. 303030 MW
• Cruise speed: 250250250 m/s
30 106
T= = 120, 000 N = 120 kN
250
Final Results
1. Wing lift (LW ) = 2.45×106 N
2. Horizontal stabilizer lift (LHS ) = Negligible
3. Thrust (T) = 120 Kn
Free body diagram for the airplane, indicating locations of forces.
PART-1 (a)
The Boeing 787-9 is a long-range, twin-engine, wide-body aircraft primarily constructed with
composite materials for improved efficiency and performance. Below are its major
structural components:
1. Fuselage
1. Made primarily of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) for reduced weight and
better aerodynamics semi-monocoque design.
2. Provides structural integrity and houses passengers, cargo, and avionics.
3. Built in barrel sections, unlike traditional aluminum panel construction.
4. Key Features:
Fewer fasteners & joints → Reduces maintenance and improves aerodynamics.
Higher damage tolerance → CFRP resists fatigue better than metal.
Better pressurization efficiency → Supports higher cabin pressure for passenger
comfort.
2. Wings
1. Composite-based high-aspect-ratio wings with raked wingtips for fuel efficiency.
2. Equipped with flaps, slats, ailerons, and spoilers for control and lift enhancement.
3. Wing box is the primary structural component providing strength and rigidity.
4. The Boeing 787-9 wing has two main spars:
Front Spar – Runs along the leading edge of the wing, supporting lift loads.
Rear Spar – Runs near the trailing edge, supporting aerodynamic loads and flap
mechanisms.
Profile:
5. Both spars are C-shaped composite beams for strength and flexibility.
6. Made of carbon-fiber composites for weight savings.
7. Attached to wing ribs for structural support
Design of Ribs:
Made of composite materials to reduce weight.
Placed at regular intervals along the wing (typically every 500mm – 800mm).
Thicker at high-stress points near the wing root and landing gear attachment.
Holes & cutouts to allow weight reduction and fuel pipe routing.
3. Empennage (Tail Section)
1. Includes horizontal stabilizer, vertical stabilizer, and rudder.
2. Primarily composite materials for weight reduction and increased durability.
3. Provides stability and control during flight.
4. Landing Gear
1. Retractable tricycle landing gear with two main gear assemblies and a nose gear.
2. Designed to withstand high loads during takeoff and landing.
3. Uses lightweight titanium and aluminum alloys for durability.
5. Engine Nacelles & Pylons
1. Houses the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 or General Electric GEnx engines.
2. Built with composite acoustic linings to reduce noise.
3. Pylons connect engines to the wings and are designed to absorb vibrations and
loads.
6. Flight Deck (Cockpit)
1. Features advanced avionics and fly-by-wire controls.
2. Constructed with reinforced composite materials for strength and pilot safety.
7. Interior Cabin Structure
1. Composite floor beams and frames support passenger seating and cargo areas.
2. Designed for higher cabin pressure (6000 ft equivalent) for passenger comfort.
Additional Structural Considerations
Wing-Fuselage Joint:
1. Uses high-strength titanium & aluminum components for load transfer.
2. Designed to flex during turbulence and high-speed flight.
Aeroelasticity & Wing Flex:
1. The 787’s wings are highly flexible, with a deflection of up to 3 meters at the
wingtips.
2. Designed to improve fuel efficiency and ride comfort in turbulent air.
Part 2: Properties of the Atmoshpere
