Autophagous structure-power systems

Jared N. Baucom; James P. Thomas; William R. Pogue III; Muhammad A. Qidwai

doi:10.1117/12.540913

21 July 2004 Autophagous structure-power systems

Jared N. Baucom, James P. Thomas, William R. Pogue III, Muhammad A. Qidwai

Proceedings Volume 5387, Smart Structures and Materials 2004: Active Materials: Behavior and Mechanics; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.540913
Event: Smart Structures and Materials, 2004, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Novel autophagous (self-consuming) systems combining structure and power functionalities are under development for improved material utilization and performance enhancement in electric unmanned air vehicles (UAV's). Much of the mass of typical aircraft is devoted separately to the functions of structure and fuel-energy. Several methods are proposed to extract structure function from materials that can also serve as fuel for combustion or as a source of hydrogen. Combustion heat is converted to electrical energy by thermoelectric generation, and hydrogen gas is used in fuel cells to provide electrical energy. The development and implementation of these structure-fuels are discussed in the context of three specific designs of autophagous wing spars. The designs are analyzed with respect to mechanical performance and energy storage. Results indicate a high potential for these systems to provide enhanced performance in electric UAV's.

Citation Download Citation

Jared N. Baucom, James P. Thomas, William R. Pogue III, and Muhammad A. Qidwai "Autophagous structure-power systems", Proc. SPIE 5387, Smart Structures and Materials 2004: Active Materials: Behavior and Mechanics, (21 July 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.540913

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