Analysis/Theory of controlled configured structures

Author / Creator

Williams, J. G., author

Available as

Online

Summary

The purpose of this program was to develop an analytical base and define the potential advantages for configuring aircraft wing structure to conform to predetermined displacements and twists when s...

The purpose of this program was to develop an analytical base and define the potential advantages for configuring aircraft wing structure to conform to predetermined displacements and twists when subjected to flight loads. An advanced fighter wing was selected as a baseline and several alternate internal structural arrangements were formulated for a comparison. All work was done using aluminum materials. Comparisons were made between the baseline and alternate designs after each optimized for strength utilizing identical allowable stresses. This study indicated that Controlled Configured Structure (ccs) does produce desirable wing twist under applied maneuver loading which show an advanatge over conventional structure by improving aerodynamic characteristics (lower drag and inboard CP shift). These characteristics were shown to be achievable with essentially no weight or cost penalty and no effective change in flutter speed. The potential of combining passive airload induced twist and camber was projected. (Author).

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