• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.382-388
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• 2010

In this work the replacement material for magnesium alloy was investigated and an optimized design was suggested for the horizontal fin of a fighter's external fuel tank. For the replacement of magnesium alloy, Aluminum alloy, AL 2034-T351, was selected by considering material properties and its procurement. The strength and fracture toughness properties of AL 2034-T351 are stronger than those of magnesium alloy, but the specific weight of AL 2034-T351 is heavier than that of magnesium alloy by 65%. To meet the allowable limit of C.G. shift in the tank, the design of horizontal fin was optimized by reducing the original shape by 20% and resizing the maximum thickness to 7 mm. From the results of the static and dynamic stress analysis for improving the safety factor of the joint section and the joint hole, the radius of curvature in the aft joint section of the new fin was designed as 8.5mm.