Automated Structural Design of Composite Forward Swept Wings

Abstract

This article describes the structural design process within a multidisciplinary environment. A forward swept wing configuration is considered where static divergence has to be avoided by using anisotropic properties of stiffened panels made of CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic). The structural design includes parametric model generation and automated sizing of composite wings. An analytical formulation of stiffened panels is used to investigate different stiffener concepts, where fast analytical failure criteria are applied. The goal is to minimize weight and provide accurate deformations for a coupled process. A parametric study shows the flexibility of the approach as well as the validity of the design concept and the approach for bend twist coupling. Furthermore, the influence of neglecting the load redistribution due to the wings deformation on the wing mass is shown.