Energy efficiency plays important role in aeroelastic design of flying wing aircraft and may be attained by use of lightweight\nstructures as well as solar energy. NATASHA (Nonlinear Aeroelastic Trim And Stability of HALE Aircraft) is a newly developed\ncomputer program which uses a nonlinear composite beam theory that eliminates the difficulties in aeroelastic simulations of\nflexible high-aspect-ratio wings which undergoes large deformation, as well as the singularities due to finite rotations. NATASHA\nhas shown that proper engine placement could significantly increase the aeroelastic flight envelope which typically leads to more\nflexible and lighter aircraft. The areas of minimum kinetic energy for the lower frequency modes are in accordance with the zones\nwith maximum flutter speed and have the potential to save computational effort. Another aspect of energy efficiency for High\nAltitude, Long Endurance (HALE) drones stems from needing to minimize energy consumption because of limitations on the\nsource of energy, that is, solar power.NATASHA is capable of simulating the aeroelastic passive morphingmaneuver (i.e.,morphing\nwithout relying on actuators) and at as near zero energy cost as possible of the aircraft so as the solar panels installed on the wing\nare in maximum exposure to sun during different time of the day.
Loading....