Influence of Design and Production Parameters on the Geometrical Quality of an Aircraft Leading Edge for Natural Laminar Flow

Abstract

Aircraft structures developed for sustained laminar flow show a great potential for fuel savings. To exploit this potential, not only the individual part has to be considered, but joint designs developed to address the challenges of the laminar flow environment. Originating in a specific leading edge design, this work investigates an integrated landing design. A GFRP wedge inlay is introduced to form the step in the structure and provide a smooth redirection of the load carrying fibres to the inside of the structure. Special attention is given to the step itself. A parametric study is presented, using different parent laminates, inlay types, processes and step geometries. Resulting geometrical details and deviations at the step and the landing are investigated via sections using a digital microscope and attributed to design and process parameters.