Robust Aeroelastic Analysis and Optimization of Composite Wing Under μ-Analysis Framework

Composite materials are widely used in aerospace structures due to their high specific strength and stiffness. They also offer great potential for designers to achieve improved aeroelastic performance through the use of aeroelastic tailoring technology. The V-μ method was applied to analyze the robust flutter speed of an idealized composite wing. Parameter uncertainties including the uncertainty in Young's modulus, shear modulus, and ply thickness of laminate were considered. Nominal flutter speed and minimum flutter speed under two sets of fiber-direction angle were simulated and compared to the robust flutter speed. The results showed that the V-μ method has a high efficiency, as it focuses on the uncertainty propagation in the linear fractional ransformation (LFT) model. The probabilistic flutter speed was also calculated by the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) under different distribution assumptions.