Composite Ruddervator Replacement
Document Type
Undergraduate Project
Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2020
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Engineering Technology
Committee Chair
Craig Johnson
Second Committee Member
Charles Pringle
Third Committee Member
John Choi
Abstract
The Beechcraft V-tail Bonanza is a popular general aviation aircraft. Over 10,000 were built, but with the weakness of magnesium skinned control surfaces. Control surfaces on aircraft must be light, and precisely balanced. The V-tail Bonanza uses a unique “ruddervator” system, which combines the rudder and elevator into one surface to reduce drag, controlling the pitch and yaw of the aircraft. Magnesium was chosen by the designers for its lightweight properties, but corrodes badly and is becoming difficult to source for replacement parts. Aerodynamic flutter, from flexibility in the lightly built surface, and corrosion can cause breakup in flight, and has grounded many aircraft. A complete replacement is needed, but cannot be constructed of aluminum due to its weight. In this project, a cored carbon fiber composite material was used to construct a prototype. The dimensions and mounting hardware are unchanged from the original surface, allowing a direct swap onto the aircraft, with no changes to controls, trim, or cable routing. Carbon fiber will not corrode, and is an extremely stiff material. Two layers of biaxial carbon fiber cloth are separated by a solid foam core, with bolted hinge attach points. The prototype was tested by static loading using sandbags in a welded steel jig, simulating an aerodynamic load, while measuring the distance of deflection, and eventual failure point, to identify weak points and stress concentrations. The new surface was shown to have a 20% improvement in stiffness and strength over the original, as well as reducing aerodynamic drag.
Recommended Citation
Mills, Kelson, "Composite Ruddervator Replacement" (2020). All Undergraduate Projects. 125.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/undergradproj/125