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Aerodynamic optimization of a large PrandtlPlane configuration

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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present design procedures and tools for the aerodynamic optimization of a large freighter aircraft with a PrandtlPlane configuration. Suitable optimization tools have been developed and are shortly described in the paper; sensitivity analyses for high speed flight conditions have been performed, and, also, low speed performances are evaluated to provide a complete preliminary design of the PrandtlPlane freighter.

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Abbreviations

α:

Angle of attack

δe:

Elevator deflection angle

δf:

Flap deflection angle

ωsp:

Short-period mode frequency

b:

Wingspan of the box-wing system

CD:

Drag coefficient

CL:

Lift coefficient

Cm:

Pitch moment coefficient

CG:

Center of Gravity

D:

Drag force

E:

Aerodynamic efficiency (L/D)

h:

Height of the box-wing system

k bulk :

bulk parameter

l bulk :

tip-wing (“bulk”) length

L:

Lift force

mac:

Mean aerodynamic chord

mq:

Pitch moment vs pitch angular rate derivative

mα:

Pitch moment vs α derivative

M:

Mach number

MTOW:

Maximum Take-Off Weight

Re:

Reynolds number

S:

Wing area

SM:

Longitudinal Stability Margin

V:

Flight speed

x⃗:

Optimization variables vector

W:

Weight

OEW:

Operating empty weight

Zw:

Vertical force vs vertical speed derivative

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Italy

    V. Cipolla, A. Frediani & F. Oliviero

Authors
  1. L. Cappelli
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  2. G. Costa
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  3. V. Cipolla
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  4. A. Frediani
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  5. F. Oliviero
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  6. E. Rizzo
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Cappelli, L., Costa, G., Cipolla, V. et al. Aerodynamic optimization of a large PrandtlPlane configuration. Aerotec. Missili Spaz. 95, 163–175 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03404725

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