Aeroelastic analysis on a multi-element composite wing in ground effect using fluid-structure interaction.

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.