Aircraft Engineering Design and Manufacturing Process

The design process of aircraft is a defined method used to balance several competing and demanding requirements in order to produce an aircraft that is highly strong, light in weight, economical and can carry a payload as well as reliable to safely fly for the design life of the aircraft.

When it comes to Engineering Design and manufacturing process, the technique is iterative. It involves high-level configuration tradeoffs, a combination of analysis and testing, and the detailed examination of the adequacy of all parts of the structure. For some types, the design process is usually regulated by national airworthiness authorities.

Design Constraints

Objective

The design process begins with the intended purpose or objective. Commercial airliners can be designed to carry a passenger or cargo payload, long and better efficiency, whereas fighter jets are designed to perform excellent maneuvers and offer close support to ground troops. Some of the aircraft have certain missions; for example, amphibious airplanes come with a unique design that allows them to operate from land as well as water. Some of the fighters like Harrier Jump Jet have vertical take-off and landing ability, whereas helicopters come with the ability to hover over an area for a time-frame.

Aircraft regulations

The next important element that influences the design is the requirements to get a type certificate for a new design of aircraft. Several national airworthiness authorities publish these needs and requirements such as the US Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency. Airports can impose limits on aircraft; for example, the maximum wingspan allowed for an aircraft is 80 meters in order to prevent collisions between aircraft and taxing.

Financial factors and market

Budget limitations, market needs and competition set constraints on the design process as well as comprise the non-technical influences on aircraft design with environmental elements. Competition can lead to companies striving for effective efficiency in the design without compromising performance as well as incorporating new techniques as well as technology.

Environmental factors

An increased number of aircraft means greater carbon emissions. Environmental scientists have voiced concern over the kinds of pollution connected with aircraft, especially noise and emissions. Aircraft engines come with notorious for creating noise pollution and the expansion of airways over congested as well as polluted cities have drawn heavy criticism that makes it necessary to have environmental policies for aircraft noise.

Noise arises from the airframe, whereas the airflow directions are changed. Improved noise regulations come with forced designers in order to create quieter engines as well as airframes. Emissions from aircraft consist of particulates such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and various oxides of nitrates as well as unburnt hydrocarbons. To combat pollution, ICAO set recommendations in the year 1981 in order to control aircraft emissions. Newer, environmentally friendly fuels have been created, and the use of recyclable materials in manufacturing can eliminate the environmental impact due to aircraft.

Safety

The high speed, atmosphere conditions at cruise altitudes, fuel tanks, natural hazards and human error are some of the common hazards that can pose a threat to air travel.

Airworthiness is the standard by which aircraft can fly. The responsibility comes with national aviation regulatory bodies, manufacturers, and owners and operators as well. The International Civil Aviation Organization can set international standards as well as recommended practices on which national authorities should base their regulations. They set standards for airworthiness, issue certificates to operators as well as manufacturers and the standards of personnel training. Every country has a regulatory body like the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States, Directorate General of Civil Aviation in India, and more.