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Performance and control optimisations using the adaptive torsion wing

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 January 2016

R. M. Ajaj ,
M. I. Friswell ,
W. G. Dettmer ,
G. Allegri  and
A. T. Isikveren
R. M. Ajaj*
Affiliation:
College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
M. I. Friswell
Affiliation:
College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
W. G. Dettmer
Affiliation:
College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
G. Allegri
Affiliation:
Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
A. T. Isikveren
Affiliation:
Bauhaus Luftfahrt, Munich, Germany
*
R.M.Ajaj@swansea.ac.uk
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Abstract

This paper presents the Adaptive Torsion Wing (ATW) concept and performs two multidisciplinary design optimisation (MDO) studies by employing this novel concept across the wing of a representative UAV. The ATW concept varies the torsional stiffness of a two-spar wingbox by changing the enclosed area through the relative chordwise positions of the front and rear spar webs. The first study investigates the use of the ATW concept to improve the aerodynamic efficiency (lift-to-drag ratio) of the UAV. In contrast, the second study investigates the use of the concept to replace conventional ailerons and provide roll control. In both studies, the semi-span of the wing is split into five equal partitions and the concept is employed in each of them. The partitions are connected through thick ribs that allow the spar webs of each partition to translate independently of the webs of adjacent partitions and maintain a continuous load path across the wing span. An MDO suite consisting of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimiser coupled with a high-end low-fidelity aero-structural model was developed and employed in this paper.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 116 , Issue 1184 , October 2012 , pp. 1061 - 1077
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2012 

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