Aero-structural Design Optimization of a Morphing Wingtip

Over the past few years, better knowledge of aerodynamics and structures and the permanent need to improve the performance and efficiency of aircraft have led to the generalized adoption of wingtip devices. The requirements faced by wingtip devices throughout the various flight conditions are, however, different. A static wingtip device (as is the case with existing designs) must be a compromise of these various conflicting requirements, resulting in less than optimal effectiveness in each flight condition. A morphing device, on the other hand, can adapt to the optimum configuration for each flight condition, leading to improved effectiveness. This article presents a morphing wingtip mechanism based on a servo-actuated articulated winglet, able to rotate about two different axes: vertical axis (toe angle) and aircraft’s longitudinal axis (cant angle). These can be controlled independently by servo-actuators. The wingtip behavior is a function of aerodynamic and structural loads which, in turn, are interde...