Study of the Large Passive Deformation of a Slender Flexible Wing Using Continuation Techniques

The performance and stability of flexible mechanical structures in fluid flow can be improved by imposing bending-torsion coupling. In these structures, a bending deformation induces a torsional deformation which can be beneficial for the performance and stability. For instance, flexible wings can be tailored in such a way to have large deformations and twist passively to decrease the angle of attack and the structural loading. To evaluate the performance of a flexible wing with bending-torsion coupling, the wing is modeled as a slender rod with wing cross section using Kirchhoff’s rod theory. A semi-empirical drag formulation is also used to evaluate the fluid loading. The governing equations are solved with continuation methods using existing software packages such as MANLAB or AUTO to investigate on the existence of the bifurcation and structural divergence. In addition, the aerodynamic performance of a flexible wing with large deformations is studied. The results of this project are presented as a journal paper and a seminar.

Faculty Supervisor:

Frederick Gosselin

Student:

Partner:

Université Pierre et Marie Curie

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

École Polytechnique de Montréal

Program: