Composite wing optimization for enhancement of the rolling maneuver in subsonic flow

Abstract

This paper is concerned with designing an optimum composite wing structure with enhanced roll maneuver capability at high dynamic pressures using a control system to retwist and recamber the wing. Antisymmetric twist and camber distribution on a composite flexible wing, weight optimized with constraints on strength and aileron efficiencies also satisfying flutter requirements, were determined to counter act the detrimental twisting moment of the aileron at high dynamic pressure. The retwisting and recambering of the wing is achieved by providing control forces obtained from a technique referred to as “Fictitious Control Surfaces” (FCS). Two different optimally designed wings with unacceptable roll performance were selected for roll performance improvement investigation. The control energy necessary to retwist the wing to improve the unacceptable roll performance for subsonic design condition was calculated to provide the structural designer an alternative, to the traditional increase of stiffness to satisfy roll performance.