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Twist morphing using the variable cross section spar: a feasibility study

Twist morphing using the variable cross section spar: a feasibility study
Twist morphing using the variable cross section spar: a feasibility study
This paper presents the variable cross section spar (VCSpar) concept that facilitates varying the shear center position relative to the aerodynamic center, allowing the external aerodynamic loads to twist the structure and maintain its deformed shape. The VCSpar is considered in this paper as integrated within the wing of a representative unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to enhance its flight performance and control authority. A preliminary design study was conducted to assess the potential benefits of the concept using a low-fidelity design tool. Then, aeroelastic modeling of the concept was performed where the VCSpar was modeled as a two-dimensional equivalent aerofoil using bending and torsion shape functions to express the equations of motion in terms of the twist angle and plunge displacement at the wingtip. The aerodynamic lift and moment acting on the equivalent aerofoil were modeled using Theodorsen’s unsteady aerodynamic theory. A low-dimensional state-space representation of an empirical Theodorsen’s transfer function was adopted to allow time-domain analyses.
0893-1321
1-13
Ajaj, R.M.
ff8ce68d-2ba5-449e-83da-f2be54e6d409
Bourchak, M.
a78efa81-d3c5-47e1-bcd3-0200333da605
Harasani, W.
dbd263c9-46cc-495c-97bb-fbf41b552631
Ajaj, R.M.
ff8ce68d-2ba5-449e-83da-f2be54e6d409
Bourchak, M.
a78efa81-d3c5-47e1-bcd3-0200333da605
Harasani, W.
dbd263c9-46cc-495c-97bb-fbf41b552631

Ajaj, R.M., Bourchak, M. and Harasani, W. (2014) Twist morphing using the variable cross section spar: a feasibility study. Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 1-13. (doi:10.1061/(ASCE)AS.1943-5525.0000478).

Record type: Article

Abstract

This paper presents the variable cross section spar (VCSpar) concept that facilitates varying the shear center position relative to the aerodynamic center, allowing the external aerodynamic loads to twist the structure and maintain its deformed shape. The VCSpar is considered in this paper as integrated within the wing of a representative unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to enhance its flight performance and control authority. A preliminary design study was conducted to assess the potential benefits of the concept using a low-fidelity design tool. Then, aeroelastic modeling of the concept was performed where the VCSpar was modeled as a two-dimensional equivalent aerofoil using bending and torsion shape functions to express the equations of motion in terms of the twist angle and plunge displacement at the wingtip. The aerodynamic lift and moment acting on the equivalent aerofoil were modeled using Theodorsen’s unsteady aerodynamic theory. A low-dimensional state-space representation of an empirical Theodorsen’s transfer function was adopted to allow time-domain analyses.

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Published date: 22 December 2014
Organisations: Aerodynamics & Flight Mechanics Group

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 370447
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/370447
ISSN: 0893-1321
PURE UUID: ad87b5a0-fd6c-48f3-9cfc-b3b05e229581

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Date deposited: 29 Oct 2014 13:11
Last modified: 14 Mar 2024 18:17

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Contributors

Author: R.M. Ajaj
Author: M. Bourchak
Author: W. Harasani

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