Active Flow Control Devices for Aircraft Wing Load Alleviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wings experience temporary excessive lift during gusts or extreme maneuvers, leading to high bending moments, particularly at the wing root, which existing technologies struggle to mitigate effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an active flow control device with a fluid chamber and fluid channels in the wing, allowing for the release of pressurized fluid to reduce lift, with a valve assembly to control fluid flow direction and mode, and a control system to detect extreme events and actuate the flow control devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If ailerons or spoilers are lifted to reduce excessive lift, then temporary load alleviation is achieved, but device complexity and structural intervention requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is divided into multiple fluid chambers (first fluid chamber, second fluid chamber) with separate fluid channels, allowing independent control of flow release at different locations. This segmentation enables precise load alleviation without requiring complex mechanical devices like ailerons or spoilers
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pressurized fluid (pneumatic system) released through fluid channels to reduce lift temporarily. This replaces mechanical devices with a pneumatic flow control system, reducing device complexity while maintaining effectiveness in load alleviation
2Force
If fluid channels release fluid in counter-streamwise direction to reduce lift, then load alleviation effectiveness improves, but fluid channel design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different fluid channels are designed with different outlet orientations tailored to their specific locations and functions. The first fluid channel releases fluid in counter-streamwise direction for immediate lift reduction, while the second fluid channel releases fluid in streamwise direction for different flow control needs, optimizing local effectiveness without requiring complex universal design
3Ease of operation
If valve assembly is added to control fluid communication selectively, then flow control precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly enables dynamic control of fluid communication, allowing the system to switch between different operational states (first state, second state, third state) based on flight conditions. This dynamic capability provides precise flow control while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through automated response to detected extreme events
4Productivity
If active flow control device is housed within the wing, then aerodynamic efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid chambers and fluid channels are nested within the existing wing structure, utilizing internal space efficiently. This nesting approach integrates the active flow control device into the wing without requiring external additions, improving aerodynamic efficiency while managing manufacturing complexity through modular integration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The active flow control device effectively reduces lift and alleviates load on the wing structure during extreme events, enhancing safety and reducing structural stress by selectively releasing fluid in various directions to manage airflow.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid chamber housed in the wing providing a conduit for receiving fluid and accommodating the fluid at elevated pressure; and a fluid channel having an inlet in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and an outlet on the upper surface of the wing arranged at or adjacent the leading edge, so that during flight, fluid at elevated pressure can be supplied to the fluid chamber and released through the fluid channel, so as to reduce lift
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft wing incorporating an active flow control (AFC) device The AFC device comprises a fluid chamber housed in the wing providing a conduit for receiving fluid and accommodating the fluid at elevated pressure. Forward and rearward fluid channels having respective inlets and outlets are also provided, wherein the inlets are in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and the outlets emerge on the upper surface of the wing at or adjacent the leading edge. A valve assembly allows the channels to be opened and closed as desired. During flight, fluid at elevated pressure can be supplied to the fluid chamber and released through either the forward or the rearward fluid channel or both, so as to influence the air flow, e.g., to reduce or increase lift, or to equalize pressure in the air stream direction.