Module discretization and consolidation of a modular morphing wing

Abstract

A morphing wing is designed to morph to different wing profiles required for different flight regimes. Such a design is based on modules, and discretization of different wing profiles will yield different sets of modules. In this paper, a novel wing module consolidation methodology is developed to consolidate different sets of modules to a common set of modules for a unified modular morphing wing design. Initial wing profiles are created for different flight regimes using an optimization algorithm coupled with a fluid solver. These wing profiles are then smoothened, and used as reference geometries for module discretization. The results of discretized wings are then consolidated using a sensitivity analysis and a weighting function that allows the designer to assign a higher priority to a specific flight regime. A case study, showing the implementation of this methodology for climb, cruise, and descent flight regimes, reveals that the consolidated wing can be morphed to approximate the original wing profiles within reasonable errors. In climb, maximizing the inverse of drag as a performance index showed a 5.4% decrease by obtaining higher drag values, which is not desirable. In cruise, maximizing lift to drag ratio as a performance index, showed a 2.9% increase. Finally, in descent, maximizing CL3/2/CD as a performance index showed a 1.6% decrease.