Optimum Structural Design of Light Float for Small Seaplane

Using the structural analysis software NASTRAN and the structural optimization software HyperSizer, optimum structural design of the float for an ultra-light seaplane is carried out. Since the mass of an ultralight seaplane is less than 225kg, it is needed to reduce the mass of the float. Length of the model float is 4m, and the support positions to seaplane are 1.2m and 2.2m or 1.2m 1.7m and 2.7m from bow of the float. Our goal is to reduce the mass of the float with support bars to less than 14kg by changing the materials, thickness of the plates, and the internal structure. Optimum structure of the float was designed from viewpoints of the mass and the margin of safety. Pressure distributions that were calculated by experimentally obtained equations at landing on the surface of the water were used for the structural design. In the present study, the materials, thickness of the plates, and the internal structure of the float are widely investigated and the method of the optimum structure of the float for an ultra-light seaplane is explained.