Optimization of the fin structure from polymer composite materials using bioinspired structural layouts

Abstract

To comply with efficiency in terms of strength, stability and weight of the aircraft, a complex problem for designing a structural layout should be solved. At the same time, it is essential to take into consideration optimization of the shape, quantity, component layout. Now, the main variant of a structural layout is a combination of longitudinal and transverse elements, optimization of which has virtually exhausted itself. The use of polymer composite materials based on glass and carbon fibers, possessing high specific performance compared to metals, makes it possible to improve the performance of a product and additionally optimize a frame structure due to anisotropy of material properties. However, fundamentally innovative structural layouts are needed for further improving properties. It has become practical to create new promising structural layouts due to the development of technologies for manufacturing products from composite materials, including additive manufacturing and 3D printing as well as developing methods of mathematical modeling and computer-assisted design. Bioinspired structures based on natural analogues such as insect wings are attributed to them. The paper is devoted to a highly topical problem of searching and selecting innovative structural layouts. The purpose of the article is to reduce aircraft fin mass while providing structural strength. The paper considers five variants of structural layouts inclusive of the conventional original structure. Aerodynamic loads on the structure were determined by modeling the flow-around process at an assigned flight mode. Stress-and-strain behavior of the structural layout was determined, and the optimal variant of the considered was chosen. The advantage of polymer composite bioinspired structures over conventional metal variants was established. The paper results will be taken into consideration and used in the subsequent optimization of structural layouts and the development of methods for choosing structural layouts.