https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BHbEYgbeLqhSbYOyU-hKLSEs0nn9Yl7jc8zZVyrW4i8/edit?usp=sharing
Due to the similarities between the two respective RFPs, this decision matrix for the 2025-2026 SAE Aero Design competition builds off of our Summer work on the 2024-2025 SAE Aero Design project. The primary difference for wing comes in the addition of a constraint that considers the space and accessibility for the 2L payload bottles, as well as four extra “high lift” configurations explored and listed on the right-hand side of the design matrix. For each element/configuration considered, “0” denotes a neutral impact, “1” denotes a positive impact, and “-1” denotes a negative impact. The design matrix shows that a high, rectangular wing is clearly favored. Cantilever monoplane and braced monoplane yield very similar scores, so at this point, both options can be further explored to look into whether the saved weight from added struts is enough to make up for the added analysis and manufacturing complexity.