APRÈN. Portal de la producció docent del professorat de la UPC

The aim of this project is to analyze the internal structure of the Airbus A350-900 and simplify its primary components to develop a three-dimensional model design using SolidWorks. Based on the 3D model, detailed blueprints were generated to cut the pieces with laser cutting method in wood, which were subsequently assembled into a 1:50 scale model. The project starts with an overview of the recent history of the aircraft and its variants. Preliminary decisions, such as the selection of materials and software, were established to guide the project's direction. Following this, a detailed study of the major structural components, such as the fuselage, wings, and tail, was undertaken. The 3D model was meticulously designed to align with the geometry and dimensions of the actual aircraft, ensuring a high degree of accuracy. Nevertheless, minor adjustments were introduced to accommodate the model's adaptation to the chosen scale. The results of the project include a 1:50 scale model that accurately represents a simplified version of the aircraft's structure with exceptional detail. This project has been useful for applying the theoretical knowledge obtained during the degree. Key challenges included conducting an exhaustive analysis with limited available data on the aircraft, in addition to the complexity of assembling the scale model despite limited prior experience in similar tasks.

This study presents a computational model designed to simulate and analyse the mechanical behaviour and damage evolution in materials with self-healing properties, with a specific focus on representing the behaviour of vitrimers. The model is formulated at the Gauss point level and is based on the theory of continuum mechanics and thermodynamics. This theoretical framework is applied to a constitutive model that incorporates internal variables to describe isotropic damage and the self-healing process, utilizing various functions. Subsequently, the impact of each of these functions on the results is analysed. This is an innovative study, as the development of a model capable of successfully representing the behaviour of these materials is still in its early stages.

Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) are of great importance in the aerospace sector due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, offering mechanical properties comparable to steel, while significantly reducing weight. This weight reduction improves the efficiency and performance of aircraft while reducing fuel consumption. The aim of this project is to convert the current design of the wing torsion box of the Flyox I UAV, developed by Singular Aircraft, to one using fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) and analyse it under realistic loads. The aim is to achieve a significant weight reduction compared to the current aluminium wing in order to improve the performance and efficiency of the UAV. The project is divided into several phases. Firstly, classical laminate theory and failure criteria for metals and composites have been studied. A simplified simulation of the current Flyox I aluminium wing torsion box was then performed using Inventor Professional and Inventor Nastran software to analyse the structural behaviour and establish a comparative baseline. A MATLAB code was then developed to verify how Inventor Nastran uses classical laminate theory in its calculations. After this validation, several laminate configurations were analysed and the most advantageous distributions were evaluated based on industry recommendations. Finally, a torsion box of a carbon composite wing model was designed and structurally analysed. The composite wing design shows a significant weight reduction compared to the current aluminium model, validating the efficiency of composites in aerospace applications and their use in aircraft design.

This project focuses on the design of a vertiport network in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, aiming to integrate urban air mobility as part of the city's public transportation system. With the increasing development of eVTOL aircraft and the rising global interest in urban air mobility, creating a strategically planned vertiport infrastructure is essential to support this emerging sector. The study considers key factors such as the geographical distribution of the metropolitan area, existing transportation networks, and population density to propose optimal locations for the vertiports. The objective is to enhance connectivity while reducing travel times and environmental impact. A demand analysis was conducted to estimate the potential operations at each vertiport, defining the frequency of flights and establishing efficient transport lines that interconnect the city and its surrounding areas. The project includes the 3D design of a representative vertiport, focusing on its layout and functional elements. Both the airside and landside components, including the number of pads and terminal facilities, were designed to optimize passenger flow and operational efficiency. Environmental considerations, such as minimizing noise pollution and integrating sustainable energy solutions, are also incorporated to ensure the vertiport network aligns with Barcelona's urban development goals. Finally, an economic feasibility study analyzes the costs and benefits of implementing the vertiport network, demonstrating its potential long-term viability. This project provides an innovative framework for introducing vertiports in Barcelona, offering a practical and sustainable solution to enhance urban mobility while reducing the environmental footprint of transportation.

El objetivo de este proyecto es el diseño y construcción de un microaerogenerador portátil, que sea modular, fácil de montar y ligero. Para ello, se realiza un análisis de la aerodinámica de pequeños aerogeneradores, utilizando la herramienta de programación QBlade, con el fin de determinar el diseño geométrico más eficiente basado en la teoría de Betz. Los requisitos de diseño incluyen un diámetro de rotor de 1,1 m y una velocidad de diseño de 6,5 m/s. En el diseño eléctrico, se emplea un circuito sencillo que incluye un generador de imanes permanentes en CA, un controlador de carga con conversor CA-CC, un voltímetro digital y una batería de plomo-ácido. A partir de este diseño eléctrico y la geometría de las palas, se desarrollan los componentes estructurales y mecánicos del aerogenerador, utilizando piezas fabricadas mediante modelado por deposición fundida y componentes estándar de fontanería, carpintería y tornillería. El diseño asistido por computadora, realizado en SolidWorks, permite la impresión y fabricación de las piezas que componen el prototipo. Para ello, se realiza un manual detallado de fabricación que guía cada paso del proceso. El prototipo final está compuesto por tres palas, un mástil tubular plegable, una cola, un rotor y una carcasa para albergar los componentes electrónicos. Con el prototipo construido, se realiza una prueba de viento que permite identificar áreas de mejora, tales como la necesidad de realizar más pruebas en condiciones de viento estable y de utilizar un generador homologado de manera adecuada. A pesar de estos desafíos, al comparar los resultados con modelos comerciales similares, se observa una mejora sustancial en el costo final y un aumento significativo en la potencia teórica. Además, se busca simplificar tanto el diseño como las instrucciones de montaje para hacer la microeólica más accesible, priorizando el uso de materiales reciclables y reutilizados. De este modo, se consigue un microaerogenerador portátil, funcional, competitivo, de fácil fabricación y respetuoso con el medio ambiente.

Aquest projecte presenta el disseny de l'estructura d'un coet per competir a l'European Rocketry Challenge (EUROC), integrant-hi una anàlisi estructural estàtica per identificar zones crítiques i assegurar la resistència a les càrregues típiques durant el vol. L'anàlisi permet garantir que l'estructura pugui suportar amb seguretat les tensions associades a possibles situacions durant el vol. A més, s'inclou un procés de selecció de materials òptims per a cadascuna de les peces estructurals, avaluant tres opcions: el polímer reforçat amb fibra de carboni (CFRP), el polímer reforçat amb fibra de vidre (GFRP) i l'alumini 7075-T6. Els resultats obtinguts asseguren un equilibri entre lleugeresa, resistència i fiabilitat estructural, complint els requisits tècnics de la competició i proporcionant una solució robusta i eficient per al disseny del coet.

This project aims to study the structure of the Airbus A380-800, the largest commercial aircraft ever built, and to create a 1:50 scale model of its structure. First, an exhaustive investigation is conducted on the structural configuration of the A380, gathering the blueprints and specifications of the fuselage, wings, and stabilizers. Then, all the three-dimensional parts are modelled using SolidWorks, focusing on maintaining the aircraft's real structure. Once the 3D design is completed, the physical model's parts are manufactured. Laser cutting is used on DM board for most components, while 3D printing is employed for more complex parts, such as the wing tips. At this stage, material selection and techniques are key to ensuring the model's strength and accuracy. Finally, all the parts are assembled, resulting in a model that faithfully represents the structure of the Airbus A380. The project concludes with several recommendations for future studies, such as the possibility of adding more complex components, conducting a detailed structural analysis, or expanding the model with additional elements like flight control systems.

This thesis aims to define the business model of Halcyon, Hermeus' commercial passenger aircraft, to analyze its viability. This is achieved using the Business Model Canvas, a tool that allows visualizing the business model studied. To accomplish this, the origin and current market of hypersonic passenger aircraft must first be understood through a state of the art review. Following this, a Case Study is conducted to deeply examine the most relevant aspects of the company. Once the Business Model Canvas is developed, a risk analysis is performed to identify the weaknesses and strengths of the model and how to address potential complications. Finally, the project includes an environmental impact study to determine if the technology is sustainable and what key players are doing to address this issue.

Computer Vision tasks, like Object Detection, could become essential tools for traffic management in the near future. However, current object detection models need considerable improvements to be deployable in real-world applications. The aim of this thesis is to train a traffic object detection model specialized in drone footage, and document the process to provide a framework for future research and development. The trained model has to be capable of detecting multiple vehicle classes in real-time video feeds. Using YOLOv8 and a customized version of the VisDrone dataset that merges similar object classes, such as 'car' and 'van', a model was trained that achieved the following performance metrics: mAP50 0.651, mAP50-95 0.44, 25.57 FPS for the image speed test, and 31.71 FPS for the video speed test. This model can not be considered ready for deployment in real-world applications yet, but a clear path for improving it has been defined in this report. The reduced number of classes, compared to other models trained with default VisDrone, makes this model more practical than several other models trained by other researchers. In addition to this custom dataset model, seven other models were trained through the length of this project. Among them, there is a model trained with the regular VisDrone dataset that achieved the following metrics: mAP50 0.551, mAP50-95 0.353, 21.32 FPS for the image speed test and 23.33 FPS for the video speed test.

El siguiente trabajo aborda la convergencia entre el diseño y la ingeniería a través del desarrollo de unos nuevos soportes para el alerón de un Porsche 992 GT3 RS. En el departamento de 'Studio Engineering' de Porsche, donde se actúa como intermediario entre la creatividad del diseño y la rigurosidad técnica, surge la necesidad de crear soluciones que armonicen la estética con el rendimiento exigido en la marca. Este trabajo aparece como una puesta en práctica de este proceso. Se realizarán diversos diseños preliminares del concepto, que se irán depurando en función de los requerimientos de diseño y aerodinámica. Finalmente, se harán simulaciones CFD con las que se analizará la viabilidad técnica del alerón. Se espera que los resultados obtenidos no solo contribuyan al desarrollo técnico, sino que también sirvan como un ejemplo de integración exitosa entre ingeniería y diseño en la industria automotriz de alto rendimiento.

The thesis focuses on Exosonic's creation of low-boom supersonic jets and examines their business strategy and market tactics. This research explores Exosonic's whole business strategy, looking at important elements such their value proposition, income streams, client groups, and cost structure. It draws attention to how Exosonic occupies a distinct position in the aerospace sector, offering its cutting-edge supersonic aircraft options to both wealthy private purchasers and commercial airlines. In order to highlight their crucial roles in Exosonic's operational performance and market penetration plans, key collaborations with aerospace supply chain partners, technology collaborators including research institutes and NASA, as well as strategic alliances in marketing and worldwide services, are studied. The thesis also evaluates the prospects and obstacles facing the supersonic travel sector, such as legal restrictions, environmental issues, and the technical developments that allow Exosonic to provide quieter, faster aircraft. A close examination of customer interactions and connections reveals how Exosonic establishes and preserves relationships via committed sales teams, expert chartering services, and extensive post-purchase assistance. The goal of the thesis is to present a comprehensive analysis of Exosonic's strategic approach to reinventing supersonic flight and making it appealing to modern aviation markets. This study gives useful information for industry players interested in the next wave of air transport, in addition to contributing to scholarly discussions on supersonic aviation business strategies. In a short resume, a case study and a business model analysis are done.

The project's aim is to conduct a preliminary computational study on composite fibre materials for aerospace applications. To achieve this, the root problem will be addressed by investigating the possibility of simulating laminates made with solids instead of shells to obtain small-scale results, offering insights into their performance on a larger scale. To achieve this objective, a state-of-the-art review will contextualize the current situation of FEM, the use of FRP in the aerospace field, and of the software used, Inventor Nastran. Next, the theoretical framework will provide all the necessary equations and information to understand and carry out the simulations (stiffness matrix calculation, how meshing works, etc.). This will be followed by a review of the applicable regulations for a UAV, as it is the type of aircraft manufactured by the company. Next, the materials that will be used for the calculations will be presented, as are the ones used by Singular Aircraft, and their properties will be calculated. The laminate simulations will then be carried out following the FEM. Primarily, two simulations will be conducted: a simple tensile analysis, where one face of the laminate is fixed and a distributed force is applied to the opposite, and a four-point bending test analysis, where two constraints and two vertical forces are added to the laminate. During these simulations, certain notable problems and errors are encountered, such as the software's inability to recognize local coordinates. Finally, a budget of the work will be prepared, an analysis and evaluation of the project's environmental and social implications will be conducted, and to sum up, some brief conclusions will be drawn.

This work presents the meticulous construction of a 1:12 scale model of the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, known for its robustness and close support mission capability. The model reproduces the most distinctive features of the A-10 Thunderbolt II, a legendary aircraft for its unique design, operational history, survivability and strike capabilities, and battlefield performance. In order to carry out the work, a research of its development, history, upgrades and improvements, mission history and the beginning of its retirement was carried out. Then a study was made of the parts of the aircraft in order to make a 1:12 scale model of its structure. Once the modelling was completed, the plans were drawn up to obtain the parts that were later used to assemble the model. The model has been built with poplar wood, as this is light and quite flexible, characteristics that make it ideal for modelling. The final result of the model is faithful to the structure of the aircraft and at the same time it serves as an informative element about aerospace engineering. An economic study has also been carried out on the costs of the project, as well as a study on its environmental and social impact, studying the CO2 emissions produced during the duration of the project and analysing the sustainable development objectives created by the UN and applied to the project.

El treball consisteix a dur a terme una anàlisi estructural del Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, fer el disseny tridimensional de l'estructura i construir el model a escala 1:50. L'elecció d'aquest model es troba justificada per la peculiar forma que presenta el seu fuselatge i per la importància que ha tingut a la història de l'aviació. Inicialment, s'ha realitzat una recerca històrica sobre l'aeronau i s'ha explicat els detalls de les diferents versions que s'han construït al llarg dels anys fins a arribar a l'última i més recent, la -8i. Posteriorment, s'ha realitzat un estudi sobre la geometria i l'estructura que conformen aquest model i seguidament s'ha procedit a dissenyar amb dibuix assistit per ordinador (CAD) cadascuna de les parts de l'aeronau. S'han respectat les dimensions i geometries reals buscant sempre la màxima precisió i semblança possible amb l'avió real. No obstant això, han estat necessàries algunes modificacions per a poder adaptar correctament el disseny a escala 1:50. Finalment, s'ha construït el model a escala amb les peces prèviament dissenyades. El resultat obtingut ha estat un model 3D que s'assimila en gran part al model real i compleix amb les expectatives marcades a l'inici del treball.