The Lightweight Design of Low RCS Pylon Based on Structural Bionics

A concept of Specific Structure Efficiency (SSE) was proposed that can be used in the lightweight effect evaluation of structures. The main procedures of bionic structure design were introduced systematically. The parameter relationship between hollow stem of plant and the minimum weight was deduced in detail. In order to improve SSE of pylons, the structural characteristics of hollow stem were investigated and extracted. Bionic pylon was designed based on analogous biological structural characteristics. Using finite element method based simulation, the displacements and stresses in the bionic pylon were compared with those of the conventional pylon. Results show that the SSE of bionic pylon is improved obviously. Static, dynamic and electromagnetism tests were carried out on conventional and bionic pylons. The weight, stress, displacement and Radar Cross Section (RCS) of both pylons were measured. Experimental results illustrate that the SSE of bionic pylon is markedly improved that specific strength efficiency and specific stiffness efficiency of bionic pylon are increased by 52.9% and 43.6% respectively. The RCS of bionic pylon is reduced significantly.