Effects of Linear and Nonlinear Structural Deflections on the Performance and Stability Derivatives of High-Aspect Ratio Wing Aircraft

This thesis investigates the influence of linear and nonlinear deflections in a preliminary designed high aspect ratio wing on the performance and stability. For that purpose, first the wing deformations and the flutter speed were calculated with a multidisciplinary design optimization tool and compared. The flutter speed was also compared with a rigid model. To examine a possible mass reduction, a parametric study took place and the results in terms flutter speed are compared with the initial design. Likewise, a longitudinal static stability derivative, Cmα, was estimated with the methods of CFD for the flexible and the rigid wings for characterizing the static stability behaviour.