Large-Displacement Morphing Wing Leading Edge Droop Nose: Optimization, Manufacture and Instrumentation

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of research into a morphing wing leading edge allowing smooth and continuous shape changes. Together with high-lift technologies investigated in the Collaborative Research Center 880 over the past nine years, the morphing droop nose has the potential to generate very high lift coefficients with low noise. Multiple design strategies were explored over the course of research and summarized here. Design features include novel, multifunctional, hybrid tailored composites comprising fiberglass and elastomeric materials, integral stringers to facilitate the flow of internal and external forces, and the use of optimization chains to synthesize the numerous design variables. The results of experimental tests show in general the suitability of the design methods, as well as a number of lessons learned, including the need for tighter aerodynamic-structural coupling, that are useful for future work.