How do we get our aircraft optimized for speed and performance? We leave it to Aerodynamics - this subteam creates and analyzes design ideas, each one being better than the last.
Performing extensive conceptual design and running flow simulations for various aircraft geometries, Aerodynamics designs and tests our flight surfaces, control surfaces, fuselage, etc. The team utilizes XFLR5 and STAR CCM+ softwares to validate performance and stability criteria as per our aircraft’s requirements.
A fast aircraft is a durable aircraft. As each airframe encounters massive aerodynamic stresses, Structures tackles these challenges to assemble a sturdy aircraft that can remain stable in harsh environments.
Our Structures group is tasked with the physical development and manufacturing of our aircraft vessel. SolidWorks CAD and ANSYS Workbench FEA work in tandem to cycle through prototyped designs and simulate in-flight operational loading. Validated design(s) are built and subject to physical strength tests to confirm rigidity prior to test flights.
All on-board electronics and data acquisition responsibilities are delegated to Avionics. They manage a complex array of sensors, servos, receivers, and propulsion systems.
Our aircraft’s power train and data logging instrumentation are managed by our Avionics/Propulsion group. Electronic parts are sourced to develop our in-house built PCB to track and record our aircraft’s speed. Differential pressure sensors, accelerometers, and Doppler radar technology are all employed measures of tracking aircraft speed.
Our latest addition to SSFE, the business subteam responsibilities include handling of SSFE’s online and on campus presence, donor support, financials, and internal relations.
Promoting the SSFE image on campus, our Business sub-team manages the organization’s online presence through social media and our website, hosts organization promotional events, communicates with potential donors/sponsors to help fund our projects, and interfaces with the other three sub-teams on budget allocation and balancing.