Aeroelastic Structural Analysis to Calculate Symmetrical Divergence Modes of an Aircraft Wing Using Aerodynamic Lifting Line Theory

Abstract

This work explores the use of numerical matrix iteration to determine an aircraft wing's divergence speed using the aerodynamic span effects approach. The present work begins with the construction of equilibrium equations in differential and integral forms. In this paper, integral formulas are used because it serves as a convenient basis for numerical solutions of complex practical problems. Second, the straight-tapered wing is divided into a number of Multhopp stations. Subsequently, the stations' torsional influence coefficient matrix has been calculated. Third, lifting line theory was used as a suitable choice of aerodynamic theory, and the governing equations were represented in matrix form. Finally, aerodynamic span effects are taken into consideration with induction effects according to Prandtl’s lifting line theory to calculate the symmetrical divergence speed from the lowest eigenvalue of the homogenous governing integral equation. To get the solution to converge, a matrix has been iterated using the MATLAB environment. The obtained results will aid modern aircraft designers in their understanding of wing instability in steady motion.