Linear Static Analysis of CFRP Aircraft Wing
Linear Static Analysis of CFRP Aircraft Wing
Linear Static Analysis of CFRP Aircraft Wing
RESEARCH ARTICLE
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OPEN ACCESS
ABSTRACT
In the present day scenario, use of carbon fibre composites has been extended to a large number of aircraft
components which includes structural and non-structural components. These composite materials can provide a
much higher strength to weight ratio and stiffness-to-weight ratio than metals. Wing of the aircraft is one of the
crucial components which determine the performance of the aircraft. The systematic and proper analysis of the
aircraft wing is of prime importance due to its contribution towards the efficiency of the whole aircraft. In the
present study, linear static analysis of the preliminary model of selected CFRP aircraft wing is done to find out
the stresses and displacements. Based on the results, a refined model is prepared and analysed. The stresses and
displacements of the refined model are found to be within the permissible limits. Also it is found that various
components of an aircraft wing can be safely made using CFRP.
Keywords - Ansys 12, CFRP, finite element modelling, linear static analysis, von Mises stress
I. Introduction
The design and manufacture of aircraft
wings require attention to several unique structural
demands. High strength and light weight are the two
primary functional requirements to be considered in
selecting materials for the construction of aircraft
wing. Traditionally aero planes have been made out
of metal like alloys of aluminium [1]. Now a days the
carbon fibre composites have replaced the traditional
metals. Use of CFRP makes the aircraft lighter with
added benefits of less maintenance, super fatigue
resistance and high fuel efficiency. These composite
materials can provide a much higher strength to
weight ratio and stiffness-to-weight ratio than metals.
In order to study the structural behaviour of a CFRP
aircraft wing the linear static analysis is carried out
on a subsonic aircraft wing and the stresses and
displacements are analysed. In linear static analysis
[2], the dynamic loads acting on the structure is
idealized to equivalent uniformly applied static loads
by multiplying with a suitable factor of safety and the
stress strain relationship of CFRP is also considered
linear. The objective of this study includes structural
idealization, Finite element modelling using ANSYS
12, linear static analysis and study and interpretation
of analysis results
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270 GPa
5.535 GPa
3.870 GPa
Mass Density
1760 kg/m3
0.365
V. Aircraft Loads
The aircraft wings are subjected to a wide
variety of aerodynamic, structural, wind, and flight
and ground loads [4]. The major forces and loads
acting on the wing are:
1. Pressure force: For an aircraft wing higher
pressure exists on the bottom surface while a
lower pressure exists on the top surface which
results in generation of an upward force known
as the lift.
2. Drag force: Drag is a consequence of flight in a
medium such as air or any other fluid having
density. It should also be resisted by wings.
3. Gravity: Self weight of the wing which acts in
the downward direction.
After a number of studies the load on the
aircraft wing is assumed as a uniformly distributed
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VIII.
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References
Figure 8: Deformed configuration of finite element
model
The maximum deflection is reduced from
85.921mm to 4.493mm. The sagging of top mid
panel is reduced by a large amount in this model and
the deflection pattern is now similar to that of a
cantilever beam with the maximum deflection
occurring at the tip of wing.
X. Conclusions
The linear static analysis of CFRP aircraft
wing was conducted. In the analysis the wing is
idealized as a cantilever beam with fixity at the root
rib. For a cantilever beam bending problem the
maximum deflection is expected at free end. But in
the linear static analysis of the preliminary model the
maximum deflection occurred at top mid panel near
to the rear spar and the maximum deflection in
refined model is at the tip of wing.
Maximum stress intensity occurred at the
middle portion of rear spar in preliminary model
which was more than the permissible stress of CFRP
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[1].
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