An alternative structural concept in the wing design of sailplanes is the combination of a morphing forward wing section with a conventional trailing edge flap. Since the load-bearing wing cross section is reduced by a droop nose, the torsional stiffness of the structure decreases. This leads, under aerodynamic load, to undesirable twisting, which in turn deteriorates the aerodynamic efficiency of the wing. The present thesis deals with the investigation of a structural preliminary design with regard to its static aeroelastic deformation behavior. For this purpose, a simulation model is developed, enabling coupled aerodynamic and structural numerical analysis. Simulation results show that a morphing forward wing section contributes substantially to the overall wing torsional stiffness and has to be taken into account for further aeroelastic analysis. In order to counteract wing twisting, the effect of targeted layup variations, causing structural bending-twisting couplings, is shown. By means of Aeroelastic Tailoring it is possible to eliminate wing twisting for certain load cases identified in this thesis. Thus, the novel structural concept becomes feasible despite its reduced torsional stiffness.The developed model serves for further static and dynamic aeroelastic investigations.     «

An alternative structural concept in the wing design of sailplanes is the combination of a morphing forward wing section with a conventional trailing edge flap. Since the load-bearing wing cross section is reduced by a droop nose, the torsional stiffness of the structure decreases. This leads, under aerodynamic load, to undesirable twisting, which in turn deteriorates the aerodynamic efficiency of the wing. The present thesis deals with the investigation of a structural preliminary design with r...     »