Duke University Pratt School of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
The Green Aircraft Project
The Green Aircraft Project is the focus of a design course in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Duke University. The multi-year project-oriented course aims to design a single-seat aircraft that is under 500 kg and can fly across the country without refueling. The present record holder is Arnold Ebneter, who flew across the country in his home-built airplane from Washington to Washington in 18 hours with 50 gallons of fuel. The image below is a picture of his home-built airplane.
Image from http://www.eaa.org/news/2010/2010-08-19_ebneter.asp
This project designs an airplane from scratch, starting with conceptual design and ending with a constructed, flyable airplane. Major objectives are to be completed each semester, and students can enroll multiple times during their undergraduate or graduate career, giving them an opportunity to learn about multiple stages of aircraft design and construction. The milestones are:
- Conceptual Design (Fall 2011)
- Landing Gear Design (Spring 2012)
- Trailing Edge Flap Design (Spring 2012)
- Preliminary Design
- Detailed Design
- Manufacturing