Influence of structural flexibility on the aerodynamic coefficients of a wing: an experimental approach

• Grant number: 16/21178-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2017
• End date: August 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Aerospace Engineering - Aerodynamics
• Principal Investigator: Hernán Darío Cerón-Muñoz
• Grantee: Caio Amancio Cristovão Martins
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Aircraft design is constantly influenced by new technologies. In recent years, the advent of new technologies materials, especially composite materials, led to structural configurations of aerodynamic surfaces which have high structural deflection. The high structural deflection provides a significant change in aerodynamic coefficients, which influence the characteristics of stability and performance. In this context, this research project aims to experimentally investigate the influence of structural deflections in aerodynamic coefficients under different angles of attack and speed. For this, we propose the design and construction of a model to be tested in the Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory wind tunnel (LAE) of the School of Engineering of São Carlos - University of São Paulo. The model is constructed from additive manufacturing technologies and allows testing in two configurations: rigid and flexible. The results for the flexible wing will be compared to those obtained via computational analysis and experimental results of the rigid model. The results of this project are relevant to the design of new aircraft and will elucidate the behavior of flexible wings. In addition, the experimental results can be used in the future to further research in future development or the Department of Aeronautical Engineering of EESC-USP. (AU)