In SimplePlanes, designing aircrafts are so easy that anyone can design a model. But in real life, designing planes are a little hard.

Aircraft designers apply scientific and mathematical concepts to solve commercial and practical problems. They are types of aerospace or aeronautical engineers who design, test, maintain and supervise the making of aircrafts. They may specialize in structural design, navigation, instrumentation or communications. These workers may also examine different types of aircraft, such as commercial jets, military fighters or helicopters. Some engineers are responsible for going over new project proposals and determining if they are physically and financially feasible. Others work in conjunction with aerospace mechanics and repair technicians in examining malfunctioning parts and aircraft in order to determine the cause of the failure and make design adjustments when necessary.

Educational Requirements

All entry-level aircraft engineers must have a bachelor's degree and receive training in mechanical engineering. Students who know early that they would like to pursue a career in engineering should focus their high school studies on chemistry, physics and mathematics, including algebra, trigonometry and calculus. The majority of aircraft engineers hold degrees in aerospace engineering or another type of engineering; engineering courses generally cover physical and life science, design and mathematics.

Main Aspects of Aircraft Design

The main aspects of aircraft designs are:

1. Aerodynamics
2. Propulsion
3. Controls
4. Mass
5. Structure

All aircraft designs involve compromises of these factors to achieve the design mission.

Wing design

The wings of a fixed wing aircraft provide the necessary lift for take-off and cruise flight. Wing geometry affects every aspect of an aircraft’s flight. The wing area will usually be dictated by aircraft performance requirements (e.g. field length) but the overall shape of the planform and other detail aspects may be influenced by wing layout factors. The wing can be mounted to the fuselage in high, low and middle positions. The wing design depends on many parameters such as selection of aspect ratio, taper ratio, sweepback angle, thickness ratio, section profile, washout and dihedral. The cross-sectional shape of the wing is its airfoil. The construction of the wing starts with the rib which defines the airfoil shape. Ribs can be made of wood, metal, plastic or even composites.

Fuselage

The fuselage is the part of the aircraft that contains the cockpit, passenger cabin or cargo hold.

Propulsion

Aircraft engine

Aircraft propulsion may be achieved by specially designed aircraft engines, adapted auto, motorcycle or snowmobile engines, electric engines or even human muscle power. The main parameters of engine design are:[citation needed]

1. Maximum engine thrust available
2. Fuel consumption
3. Engine mass
4. Engine geometry

The thrust provided by the engine must balance the drag at cruise speed and be greater than the drag to allow acceleration. The engine requirement varies with the type of aircraft. For instance, commercial airliners spend more time in cruise speed and need more engine efficiency. High-performance fighter jets need very high acceleration and therefore have very high thrust requirements.

Weight

The weight of the aircraft is the common factor that links all aspects of aircraft design such as aerodynamics, structure, and propulsion together. An aircraft's weight is derived from various factors such as empty weight, payload, useful load, etc. The various weights are used to then calculate the center of mass of the entire aircraft. The center of mass must fit within the established limits set by the manufacturer.

Structure

The aircraft structure focuses not only on strength, stiffness, durability (fatigue), fracture toughness, stability, but also on fail-safety, corrosion resistance, maintainability and ease of manufacturing. The structure must be able to withstand the stresses caused by cabin pressurization, if fitted, turbulence and engine or rotor vibrations.

                                           Source: Wikipedia, Study.com