Static stress analysis of Operator Performance Laboratory’s Network Integrated Mounting Bay for Lightweight Electronics (NIMBLE) pod

Mechanical stress testing is needed to meet structural requirements for a payload carrying pod flying at high speeds and high altitudes. This study explores the design, manufacturing and stress analysis of a wing mounted pod for holding research hardware, with a focus on compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations to ensure airworthiness for flight test approval.

The paper outlines the stresses and strains experienced by a wing-mounted pod during various flight phases, evaluated in accordance with FAA standards. Mathematical models addressing flexural tensile, compressive, lateral and fatigue life criteria guided the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in this study.

Simulation results revealed that a structurally sound pod can withstand the forces of flight through effective load transfer. However, the design was constrained by the L-29 airframe structural limitations to +7.5/-3.5 g_z. Challenges in manufacturing highlighted the difficulty of producing a commercial-quality product. While simulation provided valuable insights, physical flight testing is recommended to validate the design and confirm its quality under operational conditions.