Optimization Tool Assessment for a Large-displacement Compliant Morphing Wing Leading Edge

Abstract

The design of a mandatory droop-nose morphing device for a new type of passenger aircraft is presented in this work. This work forms one of the subprojects of the Collaborative Research Center 880 in Braunschweig, Germany. The leading edge displacement requires large curvature changes against high external loads and a novel anisotropic hybrid material comprising fiberglass and an elastomer is considered to allow large chordwise displacement and high spanwise stiffness. A number of optimization tools have been developed, such as a skin optimization tool, topology optimization compliant mechanism design tool, and a heuristic genetic algorithm based method. Amongst these approaches, the design philosophies of using conventional or compliant mechanisms are considered. The tools have their advantages and disadvantages, and numerical issues have prevented the further development of the topology optimization tool. Planned demonstrator manufacture and testing of the various design philosophies will provide an insight into which philosophy is more effective.