Optimization design of active aeroelastic wing with variable camber structure

An integrated optimization design methodology is developed for variable camber wing using active aeroelastic wing (AAW) technology, based on a genetic optimization algorithm. The optimization design for low aspect ratio aircraft’s scale model’s trim using multiple variable camber wings is conducted in a steady rolling maneuver. The goal is to reduce the structural mass while taking into account the limitations of the wing root’s moment, flutter speed, and the equivalent deflection angle of the morphing leading and trailing edges. A comparison between the new method and the conventional design method with single variable camber is also presented. The results showed that morphing the leading and trailing edges could increase control efficiency by 34.71% when compared to the traditional control surface. By coordinating the morphing of multiple leading and trailing edges, the AAW technology could fully utilize the flexibility of the wing structure to effectively reduce maneuver load and the wing’s structural mass by 12.9%.