Abstract
High aspect ratio aircraft have a significantly reduced induced drag, but have only limited installation space for control surfaces near the wingtip. This paper describes a multidisciplinary design methodology for a morphing aileron that is based on pressure-actuated cellular structures (PACS). The focus of this work is on the transient dynamic system behavior of the multi-functional aileron. Decisive design aspects are the actuation speed, the resistance against external loads, and constraints preparing for a future wind tunnel test. The structural stiffness under varying aerodynamic loads is examined while using a reduced-order truss model and a high-fidelity finite element analysis. The simulations of the internal flow investigate the transient pressurization process that limits the dynamic actuator response. The authors present a reduced-order model based on the Pseudo Bond Graph methodology enabling time-efficient flow simulation and compare the results to computational fluid dynamic simulations. The findings of this work demonstrate high structural resistance against external forces and the feasibility of high actuation speeds over the entire operating envelope. Future research will incorporate the fluid–structure interaction and the assessment of load alleviation capability.
Highlights
The highest aspect ratios can be achieved with folding wingtips (FWT), which ensure the aircraft comply with airport gate size restrictions on ground
This paper addresses a biomimetic approach of shape variability that is based on pressure-actuated cellular structures (PACS)
A goal of the work presented in this paper is to create a reduced-order model (ROM) for representing the threedimensional time-dependent flow within the cell rows of the PACS that can be integrated into the holistic design process
Summary
High aspect ratio (HAR) aircraft are in the focus of current research for their potential to significantly reduce induced drag [1]. The resulting long and slender wings provide little space for control surfaces, especially near the wingtip. The highest aspect ratios can be achieved with folding wingtips (FWT), which ensure the aircraft comply with airport gate size restrictions on ground. FWT are already installed on the Boeing 777X [2] and they are under development in Europe [3,4]. The installation space in the FWT is limited and the mass of the secondary systems must be kept to a minimum. In HAR wings, conventional linear hydraulic and electro-mechanical actuators reach their limits regarding installation space and accessibility
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