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Project # 2
Development of a 3D Printed Optimization-Driven Aeroelastically Scaled Wind Tunnel Model for High Aspect Ratio Flying Wings
| Team Lead: | Mikaela Leevy |
| Other Team Members: | |
| Faculty Advisor(s): | Robert M. Taylor |
| Department: | MAE |
| Project Type: | Graduate Student |
| Title: | Development of a 3D Printed Optimization-Driven Aeroelastically Scaled Wind Tunnel Model for High Aspect Ratio Flying Wings |
| Abstract: | Researchers are studying aeroelastic phenomena and flutter suppression in high-aspect ratio flying wings. However, complex geometry and small scale make manufacturing experimental aeroelastic wind tunnel models expensive and time-consuming. An innovative solution for developing iterative, low-cost, geometrically accurate models is combining optimization and 3D printing. Optimization allows scaling of stiffness, frequency, and mode shapes to ensure structural similitude, while 3D printing provides a low-cost manufacturing method. The X-56 flying wing was designed as a flutter testbed, which makes it a perfect choice. An HT23 wing and a nylon skin, carbon fiber reinforced spar wing were optimized and printed. Results show feasible solutions for both HT23 and nylon materials. Challenges with this methodology include material stiffness, warping in the models and non-uniform carbon fiber volume fraction. Geometric distortion scans show less distortion in the HT23 wing. Multiple iterations of the nylon model were optimized to improve the model. The design and manufacturing of these 3D models will pave the way for innovative solutions in flutter suppression, non-linearities, and unsteady aerodynamics. |
| Poster: | View Poster #2 (PDF) |
| Judges Scoring: | Submit Evaluation (judges only) |