Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Committee Chair

James Smith.

Abstract

The Finite Element Method may be the most powerful tool in the engineer's toolbox today, and can be used in many different applications. The purpose of this thesis is to utilize this tool to optimize the current design of the roll-on roll-off sensor deployment system support arm for the C-130 Hercules. The Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Guard (NG) will be using these sensor pallet systems in a variety of command and control configurations for counter narco-terrorism applications. The original design for the sensor deployment arm will be drawn using CAD, and then a Finite Element Analysis will be run using Pro/MECHANICA. This will show the stress concentrations and the areas where weight can be saved. The most concerning variable will be the height of the mechanical arm attachment. By decreasing that height, and shortening the mechanical arm, the moments will decrease, and the required torque will be less. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

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