On the effectiveness of active aeroelastic structures for morphing aircraft

This note assesses the benefits of active aeroelastic structures (AAS) in enhancing flight performance and control authority. A representative AAS concept, whose torsional stiffness and shear centre position can be altered depending on the instantaneous flight condition, is employed in the wing of a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Aeronautical journal 2013-11, Vol.117 (1197), p.1167-1176
Main Authors: Ajaj, R. M., Friswell, M. I., Flores, E. I. Saavedra
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Computer science
control theory
systems
Control theory. Systems
Exact sciences and technology
Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications)
Physics
Robotics
Solid mechanics
Structural and continuum mechanics
Vibration, mechanical wave, dynamic stability (aeroelasticity, vibration control...)
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Summary:This note assesses the benefits of active aeroelastic structures (AAS) in enhancing flight performance and control authority. A representative AAS concept, whose torsional stiffness and shear centre position can be altered depending on the instantaneous flight condition, is employed in the wing of a medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAV. A multidisciplinary design optimisation (MDO) suite is used in this study. It turns out that AAS can be very effective when used for enhancing control authority of the vehicle but have limited benefits in terms of flight performance (lift to drag).
ISSN:0001-9240
2059-6464
DOI:10.1017/S0001924000008769