Variable Fidelity Loads Process in a Multidisciplinary Aircraft Design Environment

Abstract

Multidisciplinary design is transforming the way aircraft design is performed. New challenges include the integration of several disciplines with increasing complexity of methods and processes in design frameworks. Loads and aeroelastic effects strongly influence these design tasks in early design stages. This paper presents the development of a two-level loads process integrated into a multidisciplinary design environment. The process includes the option for a fast and simplified rigid loads analysis, as well as a more complex process with a fully parameterized aeroelastic model. Case studies are presented for a conventional 150 passenger aircraft and an alternative forward swept laminar flow concept.