Control Augmented Structural Optimization of Aeroelasticity Tailored FiberComposite Wings

摘要

The problem of control augmented structural optimization of aeroelasticallytailored fiber composite wings was addressed in a series of comprehensive studies. This research culminated in the first truly integrated, practical computer program capable of treating this multidisciplinary synthesis problem by simultaneously changing structural, aerodynamic and control type design variables for practical aircraft configurations. The effectiveness and efficiency of this integrated aeroscervoelastic optimization capability was displayed by applying it to an RPV type vehicle as well as the more complex F-16 and X-29 type airplane models. In addition, within the framework of this research a digital adaptive controller capable of suppressing flutter in composite wings under time varying flight conditions in subsonic and transonic flow was developed. This efficient analysis can be used as the basis for structural optimization studies of actively controlled composite wings in transonic flow.