Work

Redesigning UAV Vertical Tail Structures with Lightweight Eco-Friendly Carbon-Reinforced Polymers: A Generative Design-Based Approach

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The increasing adoption of additive manufacturing in applications requiring high strength, stiffness, and lightness has highlighted the need to outclass the classical design methodologies. As a matter of fact, traditional design approaches often fail to exploit additive manufacturing’s full potential. To address this need, this research presents an innovative design of a vertical tail for an unmanned aerial vehicle by integrating the generative design optimization strategy for additive manufacturing and engineered technopolymers reinforced with chopped carbon fiber. The proposed iterative method, combined with a high strength carbon fiber material, led to significant mass reductions, up to 71.2%, compared with a metallic design.

Source: Journal of Composites Science

DOI: 10.3390/jcs9100517

Authors: Giovanni Maisto, Antonio Garofano, Valerio Acanfora, Aniello Riccio

Institution: University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli"

Language: English

Topic: Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies

Subfield: Automotive Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172