Experimental Modal Analysis for a T09 AEROMAX type Aircraft’s Mechanical Structure

The present study investigates alternatives to incorporating energy harvesting into the aerospace field. Specifically, this energy harvesting will be focused on identifying the natural frequencies of a T09 Aeromax model aircraft’s wing and proposing installation locations for piezoelectric patches. This objective was completed using experimental and numerical modal analyses and iterating based on each trial’s results combined with the use of vibrations table. At the same time, a new methodology is proposed for future researchers to develop their finite element model for modal analysis for any model aircraft if the identified influencing variables are considered, and enough iterations are run. Two location proposals for patch installation are presented based on the accelerometer measurements obtained from the DynaView software, the natural frequencies obtained, and the data recollected from modal shapes and their respective deformations.