Aeroelastic Tailoring of Composite Plates Through Eigenvalues Optimization

Abstract

This work presents an aeroelastic tailoring approach using lamination parameters optimization. The main goal of this research is to analyse a composite plate wing subject to aeroelastic effects and the improvement in flutter speed by means of eigenfrequency maximization. First, an aeroelastic analysis is conducted with the initial plate design, to identify the eigenfrequency responsible for the flutter onset. Next, optimization problem is formulated to maximize this specific eigenfrequency. The optimization uses the reinforcing fiber orientation as design variables. The sequential linear programming (SLP) is applied and sensitivities are calculated analytically. After the optimization, flutter speed is calculated again, in order to check the optimization effect. Results presented show a marked improvement of the flutter speed.