Dynamic Aeroelastic Stability Analyses of Parameterized Flying Wing Configurations

Abstract

Within this paper, different parameterized flying wing configurations are analysed regarding their dynamic aeroelastic stability behaviour with a special focus on the phenomenon of Body-Freedom Flutter (BFF). The highly swept flying wing configuration MULDICON-F is chosen as the reference configuration. Proceeding from MULDICON-F, geometrically derived configurations which distinguish themselves regarding their sweep angle and aspect ratio as well as mass moment of inertia variations, are generated. The modal and flutter characteristics of MULDICON-F and these variants are then compared. For MULDICON-F, a symmetric BFF mechanism with high rigid-body mode participations and an antisymmetric flutter mechanism are found at 1048m/s and 1589m/s for the reference flight point, respectively. In general, the BFF velocity is reduced with increasing aspect ratio, while a reverse trend can be observed for the sweep angle variations. Considering the mass moment of inertia modifications, a flutter velocity increase with increasing pitching moment of inertia, as well as decreasing rolling moment of inertia can be detected. Among the investigated parameters, the sweep angle is found to be the most sensitive parameter.