The main objective of this paper is to describe a methodology to be applied in the preliminary design of a tiltrotor wing based on previously developed conceptual design methods. The reference vehicle is the Next-Generation Civil Tiltrotor Technology Demonstrator (NGCTR-TD) developed by Leonardo Helicopters within the Clean Sky research program framework. In a previous work by the authors, based on the specific requirements (i.e., dynamics, strength, buckling, functional), the first iteration of design was aimed at finding a wing structure with a minimized structural weight but at the same time strong and stiff enough to comply with sizing loads and aeroelastic stability in the flight envelope. Now, the outcome from the first design loop is used to build a global Finite Element Model (FEM), to be used for a multi-objective optimization performed by using a commercial software environment. In other words, the design strategy, aimed at finding a first optimal solution in terms of the thickness of composite components, is based on a two-level optimization. The first-level optimization is performed with engineering models (non-FEA-based), and the second-level optimization, discussed in this paper, within an FEA environment. The latter is shown to provide satisfactory results in terms of overall wing weight, and a zonal optimization of the composite parts, which is the starting point of an engineered model and a detailed FEM (beyond the scope of the present work), which will also take into account manufacturing, assembly, installation, accessibility and maintenance constraints.

No abstract

No abstract

In the CA3ViAR (Composite fan Aerodynamic, Aeroelastic, and Aeroacoustic Validation Rig) project, a composite low-transonic fan is designed and tested. The aim is a scaled ultra-high bypass ratio (UHBR) fan with state-of-the-art aerodynamic performance and composite rotor blades, which features aeroelastic phenomena, e.g. forced response by inlet distortions and flutter, under certain operating points within the wind tunnel. In this paper, the aerodynamic and aeroelastic design process starting from the overall performance specifications to a threedimensional numerical model is described. A target of eigen-frequency and twist-to-plunge ratio is specified such that flutter occurs at desired operating conditions with a sufficient margin with respect to the working line. Different materials and layups of the composite blade are analyzed to reach the structural target. The fan should serve as an open test case to advance the future research on aerodynamic, aeroelastic, and aeroacoustic performance investigations in a wide range of operating conditions. A preliminary fan stage design is presented in this paper.

No abstract