Modeling, Simulation, and Cruise Characteristics of Wingtip-Jointed Composite Aircraft

Abstract

In this paper, multibody dynamic modeling and a simulation method for the wingtip-jointing process of a new-concept composite aircraft system are investigated. When the wingtips of two aircraft are jointed, the resultant wingtip-jointed aircraft is regarded as variable-geometry multiple rigid bodies, and a seven-degree-of-freedom non-linear dynamic model is established by mathematical derivation. The slip-meshing method is adopted to analyze the unsteady aerodynamic influence. We also present specific aerodynamic database acquisition methods under the quasi-steady assumption. Based on this, the simulation results indicate that the longitudinal and lateral movements are highly jointed and complex. A new composite aircraft system is investigated, in order to meet the balance requirement. With the lift–drag ratio (K) considered, the piecewise cubic Hermite interpolation (PCHIP) method, with a sufficient sample size, was utilized to help the cruise strategy optimization analysis under fixed altitude and speed conditions. Meanwhile, distribution of cruise characteristics with different sampling values of composite flight characteristic parameters were also analyzed. The research results can be used as a reference for new-concept composite aircraft model establishment, simulation, and multibody dynamic characteristic investigation.