Multiobjective optimization for the multi-phase design of active polymorphing wings

Advanced studies have been undertaken using Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) on the retrofitting of an outboard morphing wing system to an existing conventionally designed commercial passenger jet. Initial studies focusing on the single objective of specific air range improvement for a number of flight phases revealed increases of approximately 4-5% over the baseline aircraft with wing fences across each case. This validated the advantage of re-optimizing the geometric schedules for off-design conditions in comparison with fixed winglets, for which negative effects were observed. Due to the high number of design sensitivities of the outboard wing geometry it has now become necessary to conduct refined studies to analyse the effects of the wing system on additional operational performance metrics, such as take-off, initial climb, approach-climb and landing performance parameters, in order to ascertain a truly holistic representation of the benefits of morphing wing technology. In addition, further effort has been expended to couple the effects of each phase within a multiobjective framework. Thus, refined studies have been performed, incorporating a number of multiobjective optimization methods into a high-end, low fidelity aero-structural-control analysis together with a full engine model and integrated operational performance algorithm. Furthermore, updated aeroelastic functionality and improved aero-structural wing sizing allows for investigation of C-wing configurations. Results reveal the potential for significant field length reductions and climb performance enhancements, while maintaining improvements in cruise performance throughout the entire flight envelope and across multiple stage lengths.