Seamless morphing trailing edge flaps for UAS-S45 using high-fidelity aerodynamic optimization

The seamless trailing edge morphing flap is investigated using a high-fidelity steady-state aerodynamic shape optimization to determine its optimum configuration for different flight conditions,including climb,cruise,and gliding descent.A comparative study is also conducted between a wing equipped with morphing flap and a wing with conventional hinged flap.The optimization is performed by specifying a certain objective function and the flight performance goal for each flight condition.Increasing the climb rate,extending the flight range and endurance in cruise,and decreasing the descend rate,are the flight performance goals covered in this study.Various optimum configurations were found for the morphing wing by determining the optimum morphing flap deflection for each flight condition,based on its objective function,each of which performed better than that of the baseline wing.It was shown that by using optimum configuration for the morphing wing in climb condition,the required power could be reduced by up to 3.8%and climb rate increases by 6.13%.The comparative study also revealed that the morphing wing enhances aerodynamic efficiency by up to 17.8%and extends the laminar flow.Finally,the optimum configuration for the gliding descent brought about a 43%reduction in the descent rate.

Integrated design of topology and material for composite morphing trailing edge based compliant mechanism

The morphing trailing edge based compliant mechanism is a developing technology which can increase lift-drag ratio for variable flight modes by bending down the trailing edge.Composite material design is integrated into topology optimization for the morphing trailing edge based compliant mechanism in the paper.A two-step optimization strategy is established to solve the integrated design problem.Initially,lamination parameters are introduced and viewed as a bridge between structure stiffness and fiber angles for composite material.Design variables include the lamination parameters and element density.The least-squares between actual and desired displacements at output points along trailing edge is adopted to evaluate the deformed capability of the trailing edge.An integrated optimization model for the composite morphing trailing edge is established with the volume constraints.The optimal topologic shape and lamination parameters are initially obtained.Subsequently,a least-squares optimization between fiber angles and the optimal lamination parameters is implemented to obtain optimal fiber angles.Finally,morphing capability of composites trailing edge based compliant mechanism is investigated by simulation and experiments.The results indicate the composites trailing edge based compliant mechanism can approximately bend down 8 degrees and satisfies the design requirement.