This article proposes a design approach based on multi-criteria optimization. Applied to the conceptual design of a cambered control flap of Airbus A320, different skin technologies and actuator topologies are compared. Amongst the possible shape memory alloy actuators, an agonist-antagonist solution is found the most suitable for the application. Elastic skins are compared to a bioinspired innovative skin and feather concept. The results are based on simplified but realistic aircraft specifications that consider environment and industrial concerns. Finally, the optimization results in a feasible low weight, low power consumption morphing wing design. This design is a basis for detailed incoming integrated aircraft system.
Purpose
The purpose of this study illustrates the morphing effects around a large-scale high-lift configuration of the Airbus A320 with two elements airfoil-flap in the take-off position. The flow around the airfoil-flap and the near wake are analysed in the static case and under time-dependent vibration of the flap trailing-edge known as the dynamic morphing.
Design/methodology/approach
Experimental results obtained in the subsonic wind tunnel S1 of Institut de Mécanique des Fluides de Toulouse of a single wing are discussed with high-fidelity numerical results obtained by using the Navier–Stokes multi-block (NSMB) code with advanced turbulent modelling able to capture the predominant instabilities and coherent structure dynamics. An explanation of the dynamic time-dependent grid deformation is provided, which is used in the NSMB code to simulate the flap’s trailing-edge deformation in the morphing configuration. Finally, power spectral density is performed to reveal the coherent wake structures and their modification because of the morphing.
Findings
Frequency of vibration and amplitude of deformation effects are investigated for different morphing cases. Optimal morphing regions at a specific frequency and a slight deformation were able to attenuate the predominant natural shear-layer frequency and to considerably decrease the width of the von Kármán vortices with a simultaneous increase of aerodynamic performances.
Originality/value
The new concept of future morphed wings is proposed for a large scale A320 prototype at the take-off position. The dynamic morphing of the flap’s trailing-edge is simulated for the first time for high-lift two-element configuration. In addition, the wake analysis performed helped to show the turbulent structures according to the organised eddy simulation model.
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