Abstract:
The present research focuses on an advanced coupling of computational fluid
dynamics (CFD) and structural analysis (FEA) on the aeroelastic behaviour of a
multi-element inverted composite wing with the novelty of including the ground
effect. Due to the elastic properties of composite materials, Formula One (F1)
car’s front wing may become flexible under fluid loading, modifying the flow field
and eventually affecting overall aerodynamics. This research investigates the
influence of elastic behaviour of the wing in ground proximity on the aerodynamic
and structural performance by setting up an accurate the Fluid-Structure
Interaction (FSI) modelling framework.
A steady-state two-way coupling method is exploited to run the FSI simulations
using ANSYS, which enables simultaneous calculation by coupling CFD with
FEA. A grid sensitivity study and turbulence model study are preferentially
performed to enhance confidence of the numerical approach. The FSI study
encompasses everything from basic examination and measurement of the
interaction phenomena using a single and double element inverted wing to the
creation of a multi-objective wing design optimisation procedure. The
computational results obtained from FSI simulations are assessed and compared
with the experimentation with respect to surface pressure distribution,
aerodynamic associated forces, and wake profiles. Concerning structure layups,
ply orientation and core materials, the effect of various composite structure
configurations on the wing performance is extensively studied. An efficient and
unique decomposition-based optimisation framework utilising the response
surface model is provided based on the aero-structural coupled analysis in order
to enhance the wing design process' accuracy and efficiency while tackling
aeroelastic phenomena.
