Aerodynamic Load Measurements on the Example of Diamond DA42 Model Aircraft

This paper deals with the design, preparation and manufacture of a model aircraft for wind tunnel testing. The project was based on a twin-engine aircraft of Austrian design Diamond DA42. Based on technical drawings, a model of this aircraft was made in a CAD environment. The next step was to adapt the design to divide it into parts for printing and incorporate elements to strengthen the structure and attach it to the force balance. The fabrication of the model was done by 3D printing from PLA material using FDM technology. The dimensions of the model were adjusted to the size of the wind tunnel measurement space. The model omitted aircraft structural elements such as propellers and landing gear. The entire model was adapted to be mounted on a 6-component force balance. After the model was printed, finishing work was carried out. For the final version of the model, wind tunnel tests were conducted. The work was supplemented with a description of the test stand and the results of the tests carried out.