Validation of an UAV F.E. Model Using Operational Data

In this paper an approach that uses the modal signature of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) extracted directly from the operative conditions for the validation of a finite element model is proposed. Different operational conditions of the Clarkson University Golden Eagle UAV are considered, ranging from laboratory components and UAV assembly to on-ground taxiing performed on asphalt and grass. To properly model the UAV individual subcomponents (wing, fuselage, horizontal tail, vertical tails and tail booms) have been tested. Only selected components testing are presented in this paper, to illustrate the methodology proposed for testing and FE modeling. These initial investigations are instrumental toward developing a correlated nite element model representing the global dynamic behavior of the UAV structure.