Aeroelastic Analysis of Aircraft Wings Proposal for Master Thesis in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering Supervisor: André C. Marta, CCTAE, IST andre.marta@ist.utl.pt September 2013
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Enquadramento MEMec - Área de especialização: Produção MEAer - Área de especialização: Aeronaves Objectives The objective of this proposal is to perform an aeroelastic analysis of three-dimensional recreational and commercial aircraft wings. To do so, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and computational structural mechanics (CSM) tool will be used, integrated with the equations of motion of the system. In the end, an aeroelasticity design framework for subsonic aircraft wings is expected, illustrated with applications to demonstrative test cases. Description To meet the goals proposed, the work should be composed of the following main tasks: Bibliography Review Literature research about static and dynamics aeroelasticity, in particular flutter, and basic review of aerodynamics, structures and dynamics. Problem Definition Detailed definition of the problem, including mathematical static aeroelasticity (aero-structural formulation) and dynamic aeroelasticity (aero-structural-dynamics formulation). Derivation of the equations of motion. Estimated time: 2 weeks. Parametrization of Aircraft Wing Definition of the geometric parameters to define the wing external and internal structure. Development of a numerical tool to generate the computational aerodynamic and structural meshes. Aerodynamic Analysis Model Selection or development of the aerodynamic model and corresponding numerical implementation software. Validation with available experimental data. Structural Analysis Model Selection or development of the structural model and corresponding numerical implementation software. Validation with available experimental data. 1
Modal Analysis Development of the equations of motion of the wing and computation of the vibration frequencies. Estimated time: 7 weeks. Aeroelastic Analysis Application of the aeroelastic analysis framework developed to the analysis of two representative subsonic aircraft wing. Aeroelastic Optimization Using an available optimization tool, control the vibration frequency(e.g., maximize the flutter speed) of an aircraft wing. Thesis Write-up Write-up of the dissertation thesis and corresponding oral presentation support material. The different technical topics covered should be described in detail, and a rigorous presentation is expected, both in visual and verbal terms, in a document logically structured. Estimated time: 5 weeks. Requirements The work proposed requires knowledge covered in the following courses: Material Mechanics Solid Mechanics Computational Mechanics Computational Fluid Mechanics Optimization and Decision The list mentioned is only illustrative of the scientific content of the work to be executed, it does not represent mandatory requirements. As such, the student that shows interest in this proposal is advised to previously discuss it with the supervisor. Calendar The work will be developed during 6 months, in accordance to the active MSc program. During this period, the student is expected to meet weekly with the supervisor to report the status of progress and discuss ideas or doubts. The student will have freedom to manage the time in the way it suits him best but a calendar will be suggested to accomplish the tasks described above. 2
Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Bibliography Review Problem Definition 3 Table 1: Proposed Calendar. Parametrization of Aircraft Wing Aerodynamic Analysis Model Structural Analysis Model Modal Analysis Aeroelastic Analysis Aeroelastic Optimization Thesis Write-up