Innovative Wing Structures for Improved Aerodynamic and Aeroelastic Performance

Abstract

The use of novel wing internal structure to control and improve aeroelastic (static shape, flutter / divergence and gust response) wing performance was investigated. Rib and spar variable orientation and crenellation concepts were explored making use of NASTRAN Finite Element and MATLAB tools developed as part of the work. The report focuses on the spar/rib arrangement and the crenellated skin concepts. It was shown how it is possible to increase the flutter speed and also reduce gust loads via these non-conventional structural configurations. An experimental investigation examined the behavior of 3D printed wings in a series of wind-off and wind-on experiments, and whilst the general behavior validated the numerical predictions, there was a significant scatter on the results.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 09, 2016
Accession Number
AD1020864

Entities

People

  • G. Francois
  • Jonathan E. Cooper

Organizations

  • University of Bristol

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Aerodynamic Configurations
  • Aerodynamic Loading
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Aircrafts
  • Center Of Gravity
  • Composite Materials
  • Geometry
  • Manufacturing
  • Resonant Frequency
  • Selective Laser Sintering
  • Spars
  • Stereolithography
  • Swept Wings
  • Three Dimensional
  • Topology Optimization
  • Wing Boxes

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Structural Dynamics.