Aeroelastic optimization for high-speed, high-efficiency tiltrotors with wing extensions and winglets

Sandilya Kambampati, Jianhua Zhang, Edward Smith

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this paper, we study the parametric variations on whirl flutter on a tiltrotor equipped with wing extensions and winglets. An aeroelastic model which takes into account the rotor blade torsion degree of freedom is developed. The parameters that are investigated are stiffness, structural taper, composite couplings, winglet toe cant and sweep angles. It is found that when the wing has a structural taper, and the aircraft is equipped with wing extensions and winglets, the whirl flutter speed can be increased by 15%. The parametric study is followed by an optimization study to determine the optimal combinations of these parameters to maximize whirl flutter speed. Genetic algorithms are used for the optimiza- tion process. Upper and lower bounds are placed as constraints on the design variables. The optimized design has a flutter speed of 65 (22%) knots more than that of the baseline design.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication56th AIAA/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781624103421
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
Event56th AIAA/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference 2015 - Kissimmee, United States
Duration: Jan 5 2015Jan 9 2015

Publication series

Name56th AIAA/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference

Other

Other56th AIAA/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityKissimmee
Period1/5/151/9/15

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Building and Construction

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