Geometric and Structural Sensitivity Analysis of Aeroelastic Characteristics of Wings

Kurzfassung

A framework is presented to calculate the sensitivities of static aeroelastic wing and flutter characteristics with respect to the parameters which define the shape and structural layout of a wing. The aerodynamic and structural models are based on one common parameterized geometric description which employs the Design Elements Method (DEM) and is created by a model generator. While the aerodynamic model includes the description for the application of the lifting surface theory the structural model description is based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) and includes a detailed layout concept with arbitrarily oriented spars and ribs. The characteristics of interest in these studies are the presentation of the model generator with a wide range of geometrical variations defined by a small set of parameters and the implementation of the model generator in a design process including the calculation of aerodynamic loads and structural optimization. All of this allows for the study of trim conditions, rolling and pitching moment, and induced drag. Shape parameters are the aspect ratio and sweep angle. A wing box layout parameter set includes the position and orientation of spars and ribs defined on the wing planform. A third parameter set consists of structural variables including element thicknesses.