Final Report Summary - A2-NET-TEAM (Advanced Aircraft Network for Theoretical & Experimental Aeroservoelastic Modeling)
Introduction:
Advanced composites are making possible new slender and flexible wing configurations for next-generation aircraft. An EU-funded consortium is providing the missing design and simulation tools to ensure safety and certification.
Main Text:
Implementation of new, lightweight composites in slender and flexible next-generation wing designs requires improved models of aeroelasticity and specifically of aeroservoelasticity. The latter takes into account automatic flight control such as active wing technology in changing wing shape or structure.
Instabilities experienced by high flexible composite wing systems are different from those exhibited by their rigid counterparts. Accurate consideration is critical to pass certification and maintain safety levels imposed by regulations.
An EU-funded consortium has formed a multidisciplinary network to train new scientists and meet the challenge with EU funding of the project 'Advanced aircraft network for theoretical & experimental aeroservoelastic modeling' (A2-NET-TEAM).
Within the project 23 researchers were in mobility for a total of about 54 months of secondments and demonstrated important progress in numerous lines of inquiry. Many new models were developed, tested and verified covering model systems, propeller blades, flexible wings and even flexible wing aircraft. A nonlinear wing model hosting piezoelectric patches with the dual purpose of suppressing aeroelastic vibration and harvesting vibrational energy is also investigated for future experimental tests.
All results have been published in International Journals or presented by the researchers during International Aerospace Conferences.
A2-NET-TEAM scientists are laying the groundwork for evaluation of next-generation flexible wing concepts and their non-linear instabilities. Filling the gap in available techniques, the team has already delivered a wealth of new tools. They provide a great contribution to ensure the safety and certification of concepts for more efficient and greener air transport. The tools and databases are likely to be welcomed by designers of many other components that rely on these new materials as well.
Advanced composites are making possible new slender and flexible wing configurations for next-generation aircraft. An EU-funded consortium is providing the missing design and simulation tools to ensure safety and certification.
Main Text:
Implementation of new, lightweight composites in slender and flexible next-generation wing designs requires improved models of aeroelasticity and specifically of aeroservoelasticity. The latter takes into account automatic flight control such as active wing technology in changing wing shape or structure.
Instabilities experienced by high flexible composite wing systems are different from those exhibited by their rigid counterparts. Accurate consideration is critical to pass certification and maintain safety levels imposed by regulations.
An EU-funded consortium has formed a multidisciplinary network to train new scientists and meet the challenge with EU funding of the project 'Advanced aircraft network for theoretical & experimental aeroservoelastic modeling' (A2-NET-TEAM).
Within the project 23 researchers were in mobility for a total of about 54 months of secondments and demonstrated important progress in numerous lines of inquiry. Many new models were developed, tested and verified covering model systems, propeller blades, flexible wings and even flexible wing aircraft. A nonlinear wing model hosting piezoelectric patches with the dual purpose of suppressing aeroelastic vibration and harvesting vibrational energy is also investigated for future experimental tests.
All results have been published in International Journals or presented by the researchers during International Aerospace Conferences.
A2-NET-TEAM scientists are laying the groundwork for evaluation of next-generation flexible wing concepts and their non-linear instabilities. Filling the gap in available techniques, the team has already delivered a wealth of new tools. They provide a great contribution to ensure the safety and certification of concepts for more efficient and greener air transport. The tools and databases are likely to be welcomed by designers of many other components that rely on these new materials as well.