Multidisciplinary design optimisation of an aircraft with the semi-aeroelastic hinge device

ifasd2024 Tracking Number 194

This paper introduces a Multidisciplinary Design Optimization approach aimed at improving aircraft performance by equipping the wings with the semi-aeroelastic hinge device. New aircraft projects incorporate recent aviation technologies, including the use of lightweight materials to reduce aircraft weight and fuel consumption. An emerging technology in this field is the application of semi-aeroelastic hinge (SAH) devices, allowing for an increased wingspan and consequent reduction in induced drag, while ensuring that manoeuvring and gust-induced loads remain below critical values. Additionally, the use of SAH, complementing the folding wing tip concept, facilitates a reduction in airport taxing space. Despite numerous studies on SAH, none have explored its impact on aircraft design and performance through methodological preliminary design optimization. This paper has the following objectives: - Employ an in-house code to parametrically create an aeroelastic finite element-based model incorporating a semi-aeroelastic hinge device (See Fig. 1). Conduct typical manoeuvre analyses via Nastran static solver as well as flutter and gust response analyses using the formulation outlined in Castrichini et al. [1]. - Establish design constraints by hypothesising potential failure cases, foreseeing their potential integration into aircraft certification specifications. Conduct preliminary design optimization of aircraft incorporating semi-aeroelastic hinge devices, illustrating their impact on aircraft performance. Present the results in a Pareto front, showcasing the gains in flight speed and fuel consumption. Bibliography [1] Castrichini, A., Wilson, T., Saltari, F., Mastroddi, F., Viceconti, N., & Cooper, J. E. (2020). Aeroelastics flight dynamics coupling effects of the semi-aeroelastic hinge device. Journal of Aircraft, 57(2), 333-341.