Model design and aerodynamic characteristics simulation analysis of fold-wing aircraft

The coupling of configuration change, elastic deformation, and the flow field significantly affects the aerodynamic characteristics of morphing aircraft during flight. Aeroelastic simulations were carried out to take into account the alteration in aerodynamics and elastic deformation of a wing brought about by the folding motion of a fold-wing morphing aircraft. A delta-wing scheme with a blend-wing-body configuration was used to establish a three-dimensional model. A physical model of the fold-wing aircraft was made and the wing's morphing function was verified. Subsequently, a simplified and meshed model was set up for aerodynamic simulations. Using unidirectional fluid-solid coupling simulations, the coupling effects of airflow angle of attack and airflow velocity on the aerodynamic properties and elastic deformation of folding wings were examined. Moreover, a bidirectional fluid-solid coupling simulation was carried out to analyze the influence of folding motion on aerodynamic characteristics of aircraft based on the pressure of the section lines of wings, and to study the coupling effects of changes in wing configuration, flexible deformation and flow field. The research revealed that the aerodynamic characteristics and elastic deformation of a fold-wing morphing aircraft are related to its flow angle of attack, flow velocity, folding angle and folding speed. Additionally, the folding velocity played a crucial role in shaping the aerodynamic characteristics and flexible deformation of the folding wings, with rapid folding leading to more distinct changes than slow folding. These results are of great significance for analyzing aerodynamic characteristics, suppressing flexible deformation, and designing flight controllers for fold-wing morphing aircraft.