Numerical and Experimental UAV Structure Investigation by Pre-Flight Load Test

This paper presents the preparation and execution of on-ground static and engine load tests for the composite unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The test was conducted for pre-flight structural strength verification of the remotely piloted aerial target named HORNET, after introducing some structural modifications. The ground tests were performed before the flight test campaign, to ensure the strength and operational safety of the modified structure. The panel method and Computer Aided Design (CAD) modelling were adopted for numerical evaluation of aerodynamic and inertial forces’ distribution to simulate loading scenarios for launch, flight and parachute deploying conditions during the static test. Then, the multi-stage airframe static test was prepared and executed with the use of a designed modular test rig, artificial masses, as well as a wireless strain measurement system to perform structure verification. The UAV was investigated with 150% of the typical load spectrum. Furthermore, an engine test was also conducted on a ground test stand to verify strain and vibration levels in correspondence to engine speed, as well as the reliability of data link and the lack of its interferences with wireless control and telemetry. In the article, data achieved from the numerical and experimental parts of the test are discussed, as well as post-test remarks are given.