AUTHOR=Ye Longhai , Zhao Yanpeng , Zhang Haifeng , Zhang Yao , Lv Jiming , Yang Zonghan 
  
TITLE=Strength analysis and structural optimization of UAV airframe
  
JOURNAL=Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering
  
VOLUME=Volume 11 - 2025
  
YEAR=2025
  
URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/mechanical-engineering/articles/10.3389/fmech.2025.1708043
  
DOI=10.3389/fmech.2025.1708043
  
ISSN=2297-3079
  
ABSTRACT=IntroductionWith the booming low-altitude economy, UAVs drive transformative changes across sectors, but their design must balance lightweight demands and structural integrity. This study conducts static analysis of a quadrotor under hovering, using two optimization methods to enhance performance.MethodsTwo strategies were adopted: mass-constrained structural optimization (maintaining original mass) and unconstrained stiffener optimization (maximizing stiffness/strength without mass limits).ResultsMass-constrained optimization reduced max von Mises stress by 38.8% and displacement from 6.49 mm to 5.91 mm. Unconstrained stiffener optimization achieved 5.2% mass reduction, 60.9% stress reduction, and displacement down to 1.63 mm.DiscussionBoth methods maintain structural strength and boost payload capacity. The stiffener optimization (reinforced rib design) provides a practical solution for heavy-load quadrotor engineering.