Helicopter Stabiliser Redesign

Objectives
- Work with project partner to Redesign a helicopter stabiliser
1. Recreate 3D model with Solidworks from Engineering drawing of stabiliser
2. Approximate the forces on the stabiliser surface at maximum helicopter cruise speed.
3. Run Abaqus simulations and compare performance (stresses and maximum deflection) of
aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced composite material stabilisers of different designs.
4. Analyse data, conduct sensitivity study, and,
5. Present findings and conclusions in technical Presentation to inform best material and
stabiliser design combination.

Accomplishments
• Generated and determined the best simplified civilian aircraft stabiliser (aluminium) structural design to withstand stresses and minimise tip deflections at top speed by 20% from the base model.
• Optimised stabiliser strength to weight ratio using a carbon composite layup, increasing strength (reducing tip deflection) by 37.5% with 5% weight reduction.
• Utilised Solidworks to create stabiliser geometries and measure weight. Approximated drag-lift forces and performed stress and displacement analysis in mesh convergence, sensitivity studies and to compare design changes.