DC-8 MCoRDS Antenna Assembly
Isometric Front View of Attached Structure.
Front View.
Isometric Back View.
Back View with Cargo Door Open.
FEMAP: Stress Plot.
CFD: Pressure Contours. (Front View)
CFD: Pressure Contours and Velocity Streaklines. (Isometric View I)
CFD: Pressure Contours and Velocity Streaklines. (Isometric View II)
A team of University of Kansas CReSIS researchers and DARcorporation engineers, under the guidance of Dr. Richard Hale & Dr. Chris Allen, developed a five-element ground penetrating antenna array for the MCoRDS (Multichannel Coherent Radar Depth Sounder) installation on the DC-8 in support of NASA’s Operation ICE Bridge to use a radar-mounted DC-8 jet to study polar ice sheets and the effects of climate change on those sheets.
DARcorporation engineers analyzed the aerodynamic characteristics and the structural configuration. The array is suspended beneath a ground plane and housed in composite fairings. The installation is designed to withstand the extreme temperatures at cruise and loiter altitudes in Antarctica.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) cases were analyzed to check for supersonic flow in the vicinity of the installation. And a series of performance studies were also conducted to see the implications of the installation on drag and hence range and endurance. An aerodynamically optimized shape of the fairing was developed based on the results from the performance trade studies and the CFD studies.
A finite element model of the fairing was developed and various load cases were simulated. The attached structure experiences extreme sizing conditions because of operatong conditions. The attached structure is sized to not only survive the extreme load conditions by itself, but also to not introduce unacceptable additional loads to the DC-8 fuselage. Structural stability and dynamics are also checked to ensure a safe flight.
DARcorporation engineers were also involved in the fabrication of the composite fairing for the installation. The fabrication and installation were based on the results from this finite element analysis.
The MCoRDS Antenna Assembly was flown successfully on the DC-8 for the first time on September 11, 2009.
CReSIS: Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets
The DARcorporation Advantage
Experience in the design, detailed analysis and building of prototypes gives DARcorporation a unique advantage over other companies, since we can go from initial design all the way through full size manufacturing. The unique tools we developed for design and analysis make DARcorporation the best choice for any new or existing aeronautical project. DARcorporation engineers can advise on what the best materials are for your design and what the best configuration is. We will work with you to design and optimize your aircraft for performance, manufacturability and cost.
Proposal & Rates
Please Contact Dr. Willem Anemaat for additional information or a detailed proposal. Your detailed proposal will include cost and calendar schedule and estimated man-hours per task. This will be provided at no cost or obligation.
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