Potential of load alleviation technologies for novel wing design quantified - HGF milestone report

Abstract

Active load control is considered a key lever towards energy-efficient and climate-friendly aircraft. A realistic quantification of the full potential of load alleviation (L/A), primarily based on the use of coupled high-fidelity simulation methods for aerodynamics, structure, loads, flight control and systems, has not been possible to date. While there have been a number of investigations whether existing aircraft configurations would benefit from a weight reduction resulting from improved load control, there has been a lack of a systematic evaluation of the potential that can be reached if aggressive L/A is used very early in the design process of a new aircraft. DLR has addressed this question in a number of dedicated projects during the fime between 2016 and end of 2024. The report gives an overview of the achievements of DLR in this matter. It presents results on (1) the isolated potentials of L/A technologies, (2) experimentally demonstrated L/A, (3) results of the application of L/A as retro-fit solution, and finally, results are discussed about the potential of L/A when applied in a highly integrative manner, as a continuous design element. The report reflects the deliverable on the HGF milestone 'potential of load alleviation technologies for novel wing design quantified', formerly known as 'weight reduction of 1-g wing quantified'.