TY - GEN
T1 - Optimal design of a smart conformable rotor airfoil
AU - Sarjeant, Roberto A.
AU - Frecker, Mary I.
AU - Gandhi, Farhan S.
PY - 2002/1/1
Y1 - 2002/1/1
N2 - An optimization method has been developed for the design of a smart conformable rotor airfoil with distributed piezoelectric actuators. A conformable airfoil is proposed as a substitute for trailing edge flaps used for helicopter vibration reduction by achieving high frequency camber variations. A topology optimization approach is used where the objective is to maximize trailing edge deflection while minimizing airfoil deformations due to aerodynamic loads. Solutions of the design problem are obtained using Sequential Linear Programming coupled with a Finite Element Analysis procedure. Results show good algorithm convergence and satisfactory airfoil deformations. A study of the effects of different active material resources, skin thickness and aerodynamic loads is performed. Changes in lift coefficient are found to be lower than those obtained for an equivalent flap at similar deflection angles, suggesting that larger deflections might be required for vibration reduction purposes.
AB - An optimization method has been developed for the design of a smart conformable rotor airfoil with distributed piezoelectric actuators. A conformable airfoil is proposed as a substitute for trailing edge flaps used for helicopter vibration reduction by achieving high frequency camber variations. A topology optimization approach is used where the objective is to maximize trailing edge deflection while minimizing airfoil deformations due to aerodynamic loads. Solutions of the design problem are obtained using Sequential Linear Programming coupled with a Finite Element Analysis procedure. Results show good algorithm convergence and satisfactory airfoil deformations. A study of the effects of different active material resources, skin thickness and aerodynamic loads is performed. Changes in lift coefficient are found to be lower than those obtained for an equivalent flap at similar deflection angles, suggesting that larger deflections might be required for vibration reduction purposes.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=78249241191&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=78249241191&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1115/IMECE2002-39030
DO - 10.1115/IMECE2002-39030
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:78249241191
SN - 0791836258
SN - 9780791836255
T3 - ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings
SP - 249
EP - 259
BT - Adaptive Structures and Materials Systems
PB - American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ER -