Seamless morphing trailing edge flaps for UAS-S45 using high-fidelity aerodynamic optimization

Abstract

The seamless trailing edge morphing flap is investigated using a high-fidelity steady-state aerodynamic shape optimization to determine its optimum configuration for different flight conditions, including climb, cruise, and gliding descent. A comparative study is also conducted between a wing equipped with morphing flap and a wing with conventional hinged flap. The optimization is performed by specifying a certain objective function and the flight performance goal for each flight condition. Increasing the climb rate, extending the flight range and endurance in cruise, and decreasing the descend rate, are the flight performance goals covered in this study. Various optimum configurations were found for the morphing wing by determining the optimum morphing flap deflection for each flight condition, based on its objective function, each of which performed better than that of the baseline wing. It was shown that by using optimum configuration for the morphing wing in climb condition, the required power could be reduced by up to 3.8% and climb rate increases by 6.13%. The comparative study also revealed that the morphing wing enhances aerodynamic efficiency by up to 17.8% and extends the laminar flow. Finally, the optimum configuration for the gliding descent brought about a 43% reduction in the descent rate.