Sizing High-Aspect-Ratio Wings with a Geometrically Nonlinear Beam Model

Dario Calderon, Jonathan Cooper, Mark Lowenberg, Simon Neild, Etienne Coetzee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)
690 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This study considers the effect of geometric nonlinearity at the design concept stage of an aircraft wing. A nonlinear finite element beam model adopting the finite volumes concept with an intrinsic strain and curvature formulation is used to size a single-aisle passenger aircraft. A linearized version of this geometrically nonlinear formulation provides a linear benchmark from which the nonlinear predictions of loads, weight, and performance can be compared. A baseline study on a wing with an aspect ratio of 18 shows that geometric nonlinearity can have a significant impact on the internal loads, leading to a reduction in the wing weight. The effect of aspect ratio is also explored, yielding optimal values at which the Breguet range is maximized and showing the effect of geometric nonlinearity on that range. This is complemented by a parameter study on the effect of varying the wing span and surface area, showing that, if gate limitations in the form of span constraints are imposed on the sizing, the optimal aspect ratio is significantly reduced and geometrically nonlinear effects are mitigated. The paper demonstrates the correlation between geometric nonlinearity and the improvements in the wing mass and Breguet range as compared to a conventional linear analysis.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1455-1470
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Aircraft
Volume56
Issue number4
Early online date2 Jun 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Jun 2019

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  • AWI - two FECs 193238 + 193801 - Airbus lead partner

    Calderon, D. E. (Researcher), Eaton, A. J. (Student), Francis, D. (Student), Francois, G. (Researcher), Hawkes, L. (Student), Hewson, W. J. R. (Student), Howcroft, C. (Researcher), Reis, T. M. D. (Student), Stodieck, O. A. (Researcher), Szczyglowski, C. P. (Student) & Cooper, J. E. (Principal Investigator)

    1/07/1430/09/18

    Project: Research

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