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Roll control of a MALE UAV using the adaptive torsion wing

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 January 2016

R. M. Ajaj ,
M. I. Friswell ,
W. G. Dettmer ,
A. T. Isikveren  and
G. Allegri
R. M. Ajaj*
Affiliation:
College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
M. I. Friswell
Affiliation:
College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
W. G. Dettmer
Affiliation:
College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
A. T. Isikveren
Affiliation:
College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
G. Allegri
Affiliation:
College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
*
r.m.ajaj@swansea.ac.uk
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Abstract

This paper assesses the feasibility of the Adaptive Torsion Wing (ATW) concept to replace conventional ailerons and enhance the manoeuvrability of a MALE UAV. The ATW concept is a thin-walled closed section two-spar wingbox whose torsional stiffness can be adjusted through the chord-wise position of the front and rear spar webs. The reduction in torsional stiffness allows external aerodynamic loads to induce aeroelastic twist that can be used as a function of the flight conditions to obtain a desired roll control authority. Modelling of the concept was performed using a conceptual design tool developed in MATLABTM. The variation of structural figures of merit are evaluated and discussed. Finally, an MDO study was performed to have in-depth assessments of the potential benefits of the ATW in replacing ailerons and providing sufficient roll control.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 117 , Issue 1189 , March 2013 , pp. 299 - 314
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2013 

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