Changelog:
Below are some decision matrices considering configurations (both geometric and material, etc) of the empennage section of the AMAT AIAA 2025 competition aircraft. Design Restrictions, or “parameters”, are rated on a scale of -2 to +2 as follows:
| Scale Number | Parameter Efficacy |
|---|---|
| -2 | This design choice has an severe negative impact on the implementation of this design restriction. If this choice was to be used, this parameter would not be fulfilled by the design. |
| -1 | This design choice has a clear negative impact on the implementation of this design restriction. If this choice was to be used, this parameter would not be well addressed by the design |
| 0 | This design choice has a neutral, or no impact on this design restriction. No positive or negative benefits for the design parameter’s implementation. |
| 1 | This design choice has a notable positive impact on the implementation of this design restriction. If this choice was to be used, this parameter has the potential to be well addressed, other factors notwithstanding. |
| 2 | This design choice has an extraordinarily positive impact on the implementation of this design restriction. If this choice was to be used, this parameter would be well implemented by the design. |
Controllability:
In order to effectively perform the aerobatic maneuvers detailed in the 2025 AIAA circuit, our pilot requires a plane that is responsive; the control surfaces must be resistant to LOC conditions, such as changes in pitch and roll, as well as environmental conditions that might affect controllability.
Manuf Difficulty:
General difficulty of manufacturing this configuration. Negatives include odd angled surfaces that require specific placement, installations that require specific jigs, etc.
Manuf Experience:
Designs will receive a bonus if team members have manufacturing experience with said design. Negatives will only be allotted in this category if team members with manufacturing experience faced design failure or similar circumstances.
Aerodynamics:
Penalties for sub-par drag buildup and vortex arrangement, as well as turbulence interactions with powerplant, wing, and other surfaces. Positives for lack of items above.
Maintenance:
Refers to the on-site usability of a design. In the event of failure of components, a modular design will be able to quickly and easily swap out components, and ideally gives large amounts of clearance for ground team and payloads.
Wiring:
Designs that allow for easy installation of servos on/near control surfaces will be rated higher. Those with push-rods, or those that require non-traditional wiring placement or thought will be penalized.
Weight:
Materials are ranked on lowest volumetric density (for materials such as ASA and foam) or areal density (for materials such as thin balsa/plywood sheets and composite fabrics)
Cost:
Things cost money.