Kinematic Simulation and Structure Analysis of a Morphing Flap

摘要

This thesis presents a study on the design and analysis of a morphing flapstructure integrated with actuation mechanism for potential application to largeaircraft. Unlike the conventional rigid flap mounted on the wing trailing edge,the morphing flap is designed as a unitized structural system integrated withthree primary components: the upper and lower flexible skins reinforced bystringers, an eccentric beam actuation mechanism (EBAM) with discs fixed on it,and the connection of the discs with the stringers. Based on the EBAM conceptproposed by Dr Guo in previous research [1], the current study has beenfocused on the EBAM design and optimization, kinematic simulation andstructural modelling of the morphing flap.Although a lot of efforts have been made to develop the morphing flap inprevious research, it is lack of detailed design of the disc-skin linkage and clearview on the mechanism optimization in relation to the shape requirement. Themain objective of this research is to meet the morphing shape requirements andcalculate the actuation torque for a specified morphing flap. Firstly effort wasmade to design and optimize the disc shape and locations in the EBAM for thebest matching of the specified morphing shape with minimum actuation torquedemand. It is found that minimum three discs are required and their locationshave little effect on the actuation torque. Secondly attention was focused ondesigns of the disc and a C-linkage with the stringers. To ensure that the C-linkage works in practice, a twisted stringer flange design was proposed. Thirdlythe actuation mechanism was integrated with the stiffened skin to play the roleof an active rib in the flap structure. Based on the design, FE modelling andanalysis of the morphing flap structure was carried out. The behaviour of themorphing flap under the internal actuation and external aerodynamic load wasapplied for stress analysis and detailed design of the structures. Finally thekinematics of the integrated morphing flap was simulated by using CATIA todemonstrate the feasibility and the effectiveness of the improved design.