Transonic Truss-Braced Wing Layout for Lower Wing Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transonic aircraft face challenges in managing airflow and drag on wings due to structural limitations imposed by engine placements and control surfaces, which constrain wing designs and reduce aerodynamic performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a truss-braced wing design that supports the wing with a pylon and strut system, allowing the engine to be mounted on the truss instead of the wing, reducing structural loads and enabling a smaller wing chord length and increased wingspan, thus optimizing aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If engines are mounted directly on the wing, then structural simplicity is maintained, but wing structural loads increase and wing design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engine mounting system is segmented into separate components: the wing structure and the pylon structure. The pylon acts as an independent load-bearing element that transfers engine weights and thrust loads to the fuselage, separating these loads from the wing structure. This segmentation allows the wing to be optimized for aerodynamic performance without being constrained by engine mounting requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pylon serves as an intermediary structure between the engine and the aircraft fuselage. It mediates the transmission of loads from the engine to the aircraft structure, specifically routing engine weights and thrust loads through the pylon to the fuselage rather than directly to the wing. This intermediary structure resolves the conflict between structural simplicity and wing load management.
2Ease of manufacture
If wing chord length is increased to accommodate engine mounting, then engine placement is simplified, but aerodynamic performance at transonic speeds is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engine mounting problem is solved by transitioning from a two-dimensional wing surface mounting to a three-dimensional pylon structure extending vertically from the fuselage. This dimensional change allows engine placement without increasing wing chord length, as the engine is mounted on the pylon rather than on the wing itself. The pylon provides the necessary structural support in the vertical dimension, freeing the wing's horizontal dimensions for aerodynamic optimization.
3Length of moving object
If truss structure is added to support the wing, then wing span can be increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the engine, provides a mounting structure for the engine, transmits engine weights and thrust loads to the fuselage, and serves as part of the overall wing support structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity while enabling increased wing span.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for transonic truss-braced wing aircraft are disclosed herein. An example aircraft disclosed herein includes a fuselage and a wing supported by a truss. The truss includes a pylon coupled to and extending from the fuselage and a strut attached to the wing. An engine is coupled to the pylon.