Optimization & Testing of Aeroelastically-Tailored Forward Swept Wings

Abstract

Three aeroelastically-tailored forward swept wings were optimized, manufactured and tested at the subsonic SWG wind-tunnel in Göttingen. The first flexible wing was used for static tests and material characterization, the second glass-fibre reinforced wing was designed for maximizing deflection while constraining the wing tip-twist and the third carbon-fibre composite wing was designed targeting minimization of mass. The design of the wings was performed using an in-house aeroelastic optimization framework. The three wings were then tested at the SWG subsonic wind-tunnel in Göttingen. The wind-tunnel tests for the second flexible wing were later complimented by ground-vibration tests and static load tests to evaluate its eigen frequencies, mode shapes and to measure the strains. These results are planned for use in updating the models. The work here thus presents a complete cycle of design, manufacturing and wind-tunnel testing of an optimized forward swept wing.