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Article
Publication date: 1 April 1957

Karl L. Sanders

IN the present paper an attempt has been made to determine the optimum aspect ratio, wing loading and fuel load ratio under certain specified design conditions. Aeroplanes with…

Abstract

IN the present paper an attempt has been made to determine the optimum aspect ratio, wing loading and fuel load ratio under certain specified design conditions. Aeroplanes with turbojet as well as with airscrew propulsion have been considered.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 17 October 2018

Zhe Yuan, Shihui Huo and Jianting Ren

Computational efficiency is always the major concern in aircraft design. The purpose of this research is to investigate an efficient jig-shape optimization design method. A new…

Abstract

Purpose

Computational efficiency is always the major concern in aircraft design. The purpose of this research is to investigate an efficient jig-shape optimization design method. A new jig-shape optimization method is presented in the current study and its application on the high aspect ratio wing is discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the effects of bending and torsion on aerodynamic distribution were discussed. The effect of bending deformation was equivalent to the change of attack angle through a new equivalent method. The equivalent attack angle showed a linear dependence on the quadratic function of bending. Then, a new jig-shape optimization method taking integrated structural deformation into account was proposed. The method was realized by four substeps: object decomposition, optimization design, inversion and evaluation.

Findings

After the new jig-shape optimization design, both aerodynamic distribution and structural configuration have satisfactory results. Meanwhile, the method takes both bending and torsion deformation into account.

Practical implications

The new jig-shape optimization method can be well used for the high aspect ratio wing.

Originality/value

The new method is an innovation based on the traditional single parameter design method. It is suitable for engineering application.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 91 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1938

H. Belart

IN considering the size of wings, which aero‐plane designers require to lift a given weight, the fact is very apparent that lifting surfaces have become smaller as the art of…

Abstract

IN considering the size of wings, which aero‐plane designers require to lift a given weight, the fact is very apparent that lifting surfaces have become smaller as the art of aeroplane design has advanced. Fig. 1 shows the trend of this development from pre‐war days up to now, expressed by a steady increase in wing loading (lb. per sq. ft.). How is this development likely to go on, and where will it end ?

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 10 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 13 August 2018

Bento Silva de Mattos, Paulo Jiniche Komatsu and Jesuíno Takachi Tomita

The present work aims to analyze the feasibility of wingtip device incorporation into transport airplane configurations considering many aspects such as performance, cost and…

Abstract

Purpose

The present work aims to analyze the feasibility of wingtip device incorporation into transport airplane configurations considering many aspects such as performance, cost and environmental impact. A design framework encompassing optimization for wing-body configurations with and without winglets is described and application examples are presented and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

modeFrontier, an object-oriented optimization design framework, was used to perform optimization tasks of configurations with wingtip devices. A full potential code with viscous effects correction was used to calculate the aerodynamic characteristics of the fuselage–wing–winglet configuration. MATLAB® was also used to perform some computations and was easily integrated into the modeFrontier frameworks. CFD analyses of transport airplanes configurations were also performed with Fluent and CFD++ codes.

Findings

Winglet provides considerable aerodynamic benefits regarding similar wings without winglets. Drag coefficient reduction in the order of 15 drag counts was achieved in the cruise condition. Winglet also provides a small boost in the clean-wing maximum lift coefficient. In addition, less fuel burn means fewer emissions and contributes toward preserving the environment.

Practical implications

More efficient transport airplanes, presenting considerable lower fuel burn.

Social implications

Among other contributions, wingtip devices reduce fuel burn, engine emissions and contribute to a longer engine lifespan, reducing direct operating costs. This way, they are in tune with a greener world.

Originality/value

The paper provides valuable wind-tunnel data of several winglet configurations, an impact of the incorporation of winglets on airplane design diagram and a direct comparison of two optimizations, one performed with winglets in the configuration and the other without winglets. These simulations showed that their Pareto fronts are clearly apart from each other, with the one from the configuration with winglets placed well above the other without winglets. The present simulations indicate that there are always aerodynamic benefits present regardless the skeptical statements of some engineers. that a well-designed wing does not need any winglet.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 90 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1953

B.S. Shenstone

THIS article attempts to summarize the technical development of two‐seater sailplanes during the past thirty years. There is no attempt to contribute anything new to the art, but…

Abstract

THIS article attempts to summarize the technical development of two‐seater sailplanes during the past thirty years. There is no attempt to contribute anything new to the art, but only to bring together information from various sources. It is also hoped that the data collected will be found useful to designers.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 24 November 2023

Sezer Çoban

The purpose of this research paper is to recover the autonomous flight performance of a mini unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) via stochastically optimizing the wing over certain…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper is to recover the autonomous flight performance of a mini unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) via stochastically optimizing the wing over certain parameters (i.e. wing taper ratio and wing aspect ratio) while there are lower and upper constraints on these redesign parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

A mini UAV is produced in the Iskenderun Technical University (ISTE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Laboratory. Its complete wing can vary passively before the flight with respect to the result of the stochastic redesign of the wing while maximizing autonomous flight performance. Flight control system (FCS) parameters (i.e. gains of longitudinal and lateral proportional-integral-derivative controllers) and wing redesign parameters mentioned before are simultaneously designed to maximize autonomous flight performance index using a certain stochastic optimization strategy named as simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA). Found results are used while composing UAV flight simulations.

Findings

Using stochastic redesign of mini UAV and simultaneously designing mini ISTE UAV over previously mentioned wing parameters and FCS, it obtained a maximum UAV autonomous flight performance.

Research limitations/implications

Permission of the directorate general of civil aviation in the Republic of Türkiye is essential for real-time UAV autonomous flights.

Practical implications

Stochastic redesign of mini UAV and simultaneously designing mini ISTE UAV wing parameters and FCS approach is very useful for improving any mini UAV autonomous flight performance cost index.

Social implications

Stochastic redesign of mini UAV and simultaneously designing mini ISTE UAV wing parameters and FCS approach succeeds confidence, highly improved autonomous flight performance cost index and easy service demands of mini UAV operators.

Originality/value

Creating a new approach to recover autonomous flight performance cost index (e.g. satisfying less settling time and less rise time, less overshoot during flight trajectory tracking) of a mini UAV and composing a novel procedure performing simultaneous mini UAV having passively morphing wing over certain parameters while there are upper and lower constraints and FCS design idea.

Article
Publication date: 30 October 2007

Nikolaos Kehayas

A review is attempted with the objective to indicate the most promising aeronautical technology for application to future subsonic civil transport aircraft.

1534

Abstract

Purpose

A review is attempted with the objective to indicate the most promising aeronautical technology for application to future subsonic civil transport aircraft.

Design/methodology/approach

A methodology is put forward, according to which direct operating costs (DOC) are examined in order to identify those that can be reduced, and, then, specific technology is assessed in relation to its efficiency in reducing these DOC, operational feasibility and cost‐effectiveness.

Findings

This assessment suggests the selection of propfan and powered lift as the leading future aeronautical technology. These findings are supported by a comparison of a number of advanced technology designs.

Originality/value

Provides a starting point for further investigation of advanced aeronautical technology and unconventional configurations for large subsonic civil transport aircraft.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 79 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 July 2021

Göksel Keskin, Seyhun Durmus, Muharrem Karakaya and Melih Cemal Kushan

Increasing endurance was a very appropriate subject for the biomimetic approach. The study aims to design and manufacture a long-lasting mini unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using…

Abstract

Purpose

Increasing endurance was a very appropriate subject for the biomimetic approach. The study aims to design and manufacture a long-lasting mini unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using active gliding and soaring.

Design/methodology/approach

The endurance of mini UAVs is limited by battery or fuel capacity, and it is not always possible to increase these energy sources due to the fuselage size. Long endurance aircraft are required in various areas such as silent environment and traffic monitoring or search and rescue. Literature research on bird flight performance conducted to determine design parameters. These parameters are used in the theoretical design of the UAV for optimization. Computational fluid dynamics simulation and flight tests of the UAV performed to figure out the success of the design.

Findings

For a mini UAV to be produced in this class, it has been observed that it is more accurate to examine birds instead of gliders due to the size similarity. The UAV design reaches a 27.5 L/D (Glide ratio) ratio in the theoretical approach. However, flight results approved max L/D ratio is around 25 at the sea level. This flight performance is enough to outperform in glide ratio of Wandering albatrosses.

Practical implications

Sailplanes are known as sport aircraft. However, recent projects focus on glider designs due to fuel efficiency and silent tracking. Stemme S-14 that carries a high-resolution camera is one of the examples of these projects. The unmanned glider design can lead to these implications in the UAVs at least during the stand-by period in the air. Thanks to low weight, UAVs do not require strong thermals, which allows flying almost all over the world.

Originality/value

Researchers generally focus on increasing the battery capacity or the performance of the UAV. However, this study’s concentration is to increase the flight duration of the UAV by using geographical currents. For this purpose, taking advantage of bird morphology is quite a new topic. Also, glider type designs are rarely found in the field.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 93 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1956

Svetopolk Pivko

Using the results of earlier investigations, a method for determination of the velocity or pressure distribution and the aerodynamic properties of a low‐aspectratio swept wing

Abstract

Using the results of earlier investigations, a method for determination of the velocity or pressure distribution and the aerodynamic properties of a low‐aspectratio swept wing with slender body of elliptical cross‐section and vertical tail surface, having arbtrary form, is briefly presented. The method can be used for the prediction of the load distribution, aerodynamic forces and moments on inclined slender wing, body and vertical tail combinations travelling at subsonic or supersonic speeds.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 28 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1937

H.B. Irving

THE change from the parallel wings of the now obsolescent biplane to the tapered wings of the monoplane, usually fitted with flaps, raised a great number of problems, both…

Abstract

THE change from the parallel wings of the now obsolescent biplane to the tapered wings of the monoplane, usually fitted with flaps, raised a great number of problems, both aerodynamic and structural. Work on these has been pursued vigorously during the past few years, but the designer is still some considerable distance from having all his questions answered. For instance, further information is required as to the relation between wing thickness and profile drag before it can be decided what is the maximum thickness which can be used, taking both aero‐dynamical and structural considerations into account. This question is complicated by the fact that, so far as the tip sections are concerned,. the indications are that the thickness ratio has important effects on the nature of the stall, violent or gentle. So, too, will such factors as centre line camber and position of maximum ordinate affect the nature of the stall in greater or Jess degree. Added to these factors there is, of course, the important one of the taper itself, including—as is now realised—the question as to the way in which the tapering is done, that is, whether by sweeping the trailing edge forward or the leading edge back, or, as is more usual, a combination of the two.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

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