Optimized Off-Design Performance of Flexible Wings with Continuous Trailing-Edge Flaps

Abstract

This work assesses the potential aerodynamic performance benefits of a variable-camber, continuous-trailing-edge flap system on a generic transport aircraft at off-design conditions. A process to optimize transport wings while addressing static aeroelastic effects is presented. To establish a proper baseline, a transport wing is first aerodynamically optimized at a mid-cruise flight condition using an inviscid, aeroelastic analysis tool. The optimized wing is then analyzed at off-design cruise conditions. The optimization is repeated at these off-design conditions to determine how much performance is lost by the wing optimized solely for the mid-cruise condition. The full-span flap system is then adapted to improve performance of the mid-cruise-optimized wing at these off-design conditions. The measured improvement is quantified by a comparison with wings designed specifically for the off-design conditions. To evaluate the effects of aeroelasticity on the effectiveness of the flap system, this entire process is performed on both a conventionally stiff wing and a modern, more flexible wing. The results indicate that the flap system allows for recovery of near-optimal performance throughout cruise. The flap system is found to be advantageous even for modern wings with increased flexibility.