Optimum wing shape for an active flexible wing

摘要

A study was conducted to investigate the potential weight savings that can be achieved by using active flexible wing technology. In addition, the optimum wing shape to which to apply this technology was also identified. The study was conducted using a combination of the Taguchi method and the ASTRIGS and ASTROS codes. The Taguchi method was used to select the computer runs to be made and also to provide the data reduction procedure. The result of using this method was that the number of computer runs required to determine the optimum wing shape was cut in half. The study indicated that the effectiveness of active flexible wing technology is very much configuration dependent with the maximum weight reductio noccurring with the heaviest wing configurations. Weight benefits were quantified for the range of configurations that are typical of fighter aircraft configurations.