Decentralized Load Alleviation System

Abstract

The transformation of air transport to a greener and carbon neutral future is the major driver for technology improvements for next generation aircraft. Among many others, aerodynamic efficiency is one key aspect to achieve this goal. This is especially relevant in order to make future SAF-fuelled propulsion or electric propulsion affordable. Thus, major design studies foresee low drag, high aspect ratio, thin wings that are much more sensitive to aeroelastic effects and face stability issues, while larger bending and torsion amplitudes cause fatigue issues. One solution to address these issues is active control of the (elastic) wing response. This paper presents a decentralized and therefore fast response solution to deflect the control surfaces of the wing, enabling improved gust alleviation and thus, reduced wing loads. Furthermore, the capability of the system to control the aeroelastic response of the wing is studied