Advanced Aircraft Structures (EG-M69) - mini-project (20%)

The finite element model of the Goland wing is shown in Figure 1. The wing is composed of upper and lower skins, three spars, eleven ribs, six spar caps, twenty two rib caps with nominal thicknesses and areas as defined in Table 1. Assume that all spar and rib caps and posts have circular cross-sections (shown in Figure 2). Also assume that all the materials are made of Aluminium alloy with 0.1 % proof stress = 510 MPa, tensile strength =580 MPa, module of elasticity = 70 GPa, Poisson ratio = 0.33 and Density= 2700 Kg/m3. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the wing.

Figure 1: Finite element model of Goland wing.

Figure 2: Circular cross-section. Tabel 1: Nominal values of thicknesses and areas for the Goland wing finite element model.

Parameter Upper and lower wing skins Leading and trailing edge spars Centre spar Ribs

Thickness (ft) 0.0155 0.0006 0.0889 0.0347

Parameter Leading and trailing edge spar caps Centre spar cap Rib caps Posts

Area (ft2) 0.0001887 0.0001887 0.0001887 0.0001887

Figure 3: Exploded view of the wing.

The wing is clamped at the root. Use strip theory to estimate the spanwise lift distribution of the wing at three different flight conditions, as given in Table 2 (chapter 5, Introduction to Aircraft Aeroelasticity and Loads [Wright & Cooper] ). Note that the chord length is 6 ft. The chord is measured from leading edge (at x=0 ft) to trailing edge (at x=6 ft). Assume that the lift is taken to act at its aerodynamic centre (i.e. quarter chord).
Tabel 2: Fight conditions.

Altitude (ft) Sea level-0 10000 30000

Speed (Km/hour) 200 300 500

Angle of attack (degree) 3o 1o 1o

Please repeat the following problems for all flight conditions in Table 2: a) Determine the resultant lift force and its line of action (coordinates of action). (2%) b) Calculate the maximum deflection of the wing. (2%) c) Remove all spar caps and ribs (make it monocoque) and calculate the maximum deflection of the wing (2%) d) Increase the thicknesses of the skins, spars and ribs of monocoque wing in order to have the same deformation as semi- monocoque wing (part b) (2%) e) Compare the weight of two wings (semi- monocoque and monocoque) (2%) f) Check whether the wing structures fail or not (von Mises criterion) (2%) g) Check whether buckling occurs or not (2%) h) Write a report (maximum 2000 words) and discuss the results (6%)