Structural Topology Optimisation of the HEXAFLY-INT Vertical Fin

David J. Munk , Gareth A. Vio , Dries Verstraete, Victor F. Villace, Johan Steelant

DOI Number XXX-YYY-ZZZ

Conference Number HiSST 2018_1760854

The structural design of hypersonic aircraft is a difficult task, requiring the coupling and consideration of several physical phenomena. The high flight speeds result in excessive temperatures that, along with the large aerodynamic pressures, must be sustained by the structure. Furthermore, to satisfy the stability criteria of the aircraft, the centre of gravity must not be behind the aerodynamic centre. Therefore, reducing the mass towards the backend of the vehicle is of utmost importance. Topology optimisation has matured to one of the most important aspects of structural design. Currently it is used by industry for building and bridge design. However, the highly complex, transient, multi-physics environment of hypersonic aircraft has not yet seen the application of topology optimisation. Therefore, in this study, the internal structure of the vertical fins for the High-speed Experimental Fly vehicles – International (HEXAFLY-INT) ESA led project, developing an experimental hypersonic transport aircraft, is designed using a novel discrete topology optimisation algorithm. The algorithm considers, for the first time, the transient effects of the flight trajectory to ensure a holistic design for the entire mission is developed.

Read the full paper from KU Leuven website>

Aerothermoelastic coupling, buckling, HiSST 2018, stress, Topology optimisation

In Categories: High-Speed Missions and Vehicles, HiSST 2018, Materials and Structures, Supersonic and Hypersonic Aircraft Design

The paper above was part of proceedings of a CEAS event and as such the author has signed a publication agreement to have their paper published in the repository. In the case this paper is found somewhere else CEAS always links to the other source. CEAS takes great care in making the correct content available to the reader. If any mistakes are found in the listings please contact us directly at papers@aerospacerepository.org and we will correct the listing promptly. CEAS cannot be held liable either for mistakes in editorial or technical aspects, nor for omissions, nor for the correctness of the content. In particular, CEAS does not guarantee completeness or correctness of information contained in external websites which can be accessed via links from CEAS’s websites. Despite accurate research on the content of such linked external websites, CEAS cannot be held liable for their content. Only the content providers of such external sites are liable for their content. Should you notice any mistake in technical or editorial aspects of the CEAS site, please do not hesitate to inform us.