Daytona Beach Campus - College of Engineering

Research in the College of Engineering

ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTER



Eagle Works (The Aerospace Engineering and Research Center) was inaugurated in August of 2003 as the Universitys industrial outreach organization with the specific intent of infusing new technology into academics and generating enriching employment for faculty, graduate and undergraduate students.

2004/05 programs


LIFT AUGMENTATION SYSTEM

 The purpose of this research is to explore innovations to allow extreme short field take-off and landing in a wide variety of aircraft.  Two versions exist. The first is called Top Mounted LAS (TM), consisting of an auxiliary wing planned to fold for cruise flight. The second is a system for extending wing tips to change the aspect ratio for short field benefit as well as extended loiter. We have flight tested our twin engine Cessna and sustained controlled flight at 49 knots vice the normal low speed of 70 knots. One Masters thesis has been completed. This has been a rich source of research/engineering in structures, stability and control and vibrations.

MISTRAL ROTARY AIRCRAFT ENGINES

This continuing project has involved the first installation and flight testing of a Jet fueled rotary aircraft engine. Technical challenges include: Thermal budget, calculation, sizing and manufacture of heat exchangers, in-flight data collection of engineering data, analysis and modification. If successful, this engine will positively impact the safety of flight and economy in General Aviation.



FRASCA INTERNATIONAL, FLIGHT SIMULATORS

 The purpose of this project was to obtain detailed flight test data on a class of aircraft owned by Transport Canada, which was in need of a level 6 simulator. Eagle Works leased a twin Baron aircraft, instrumented control surfaces, cabin and engine controls and provided attitude via an inertial system. Control laws for the simulator were modified and honed based on flight test data in forty hours of flight test.

TWIN HULLED AMPHIBIAN

Eagle works was contracted to conduct an engineering analysis of an artists concept for a twin-hulled, ducted fan amphibious aircraft. Included in this preliminary design was aircraft layout, performance parameters, structural analysis of preliminary load paths and lofting of the design in CATIA. The project was imported into the classroom and used as the candidate aircraft for the AE design class.



ELECTRONIC WARFARE ASSOCIATES UCAV

 This project is to support the design, manufacture, payload integration and flight test of an economical full size Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle. Eagle Works has accomplished initial flight test, payload systems integration and concept development.







2005 programs
The following programs will commence in the immediate future.
Visit the Eagle Works Web site


Aviat Aircraft Model 4000


Aviat Aircraft, Inc., a manufacturer of certified aircraft, has agreed for Eagle works to complete the engineering design work and then build (Phase I), flight test (Phase II) and FAA certify a six seat bush aircraft. Follow-on work includes engineering design to accommodate a turbo-prop of increased size, a pressure fuselage and cantilever wing. This is the first of what is considered to be a long-term relationship for Eagle Works. The engineering includes structures design, manufacture and flight test as well as systems engineering.

Gulfstream Aerospace


Eagle Works has signed a MOU with Gulfstream Aerospace to deliver six or more short courses in engineering. Most of the first six will be delivered through summer of 2005. These courses embrace a broad spectrum of engineering disciplines including electronic/electrical, avionics, structures, composite structures and thermodynamics. More course development is anticipated as well a certification with AIAA.

Other Opportunities


There are many opportunities in development as well as internally funded tasking with no overhead (i.e. SATS) which has made significant contribution to the operating expenses of Eagle Works. Continued growth and benefit to the University depend on understanding the capability of this vital research center. Earlier projects associated with Eagle Works totaling more than half a million dollars are not shown. Possibilities are limitless.