A Hybrid Reduced-Order Model for the Aeroelastic Analysis of Flexible Subsonic Wings—A Parametric Assessment

• Main Authors: Marco Berci, Rauno Cavallaro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-07-01
• Series: Aerospace
• Subjects: hybrid reduced-order model; quasi-analytical; aeroelasticity; flexible wings; subsonic
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/5/3/76

A hybrid reduced-order model for the aeroelastic analysis of flexible subsonic wings with arbitrary planform is presented within a generalised quasi-analytical formulation, where a slender beam is considered as the linear structural dynamics model. A modified strip theory is proposed for modelling the unsteady aerodynamics of the wing in incompressible flow, where thin aerofoil theory is corrected by a higher-fidelity model in order to account for three-dimensional effects on both distribution and deficiency of the sectional air load. Given a unit angle of attack, approximate expressions for the lift decay and build-up are then adopted within a linear framework, where the two effects are separately calculated and later combined. Finally, a modal approach is employed to write the generalised equations of motion in state-space form. Numerical results were obtained and critically discussed for the aeroelastic stability analysis of a uniform rectangular wing, with respect to the relevant aerodynamic and structural parameters. The proposed hybrid model provides sound theoretical insights and is well suited as an efficient parametric reduced-order aeroelastic tool for the preliminary multidisciplinary design and optimisation of flexible wings in the subsonic regime.