• Weaver, Pm
• Rivero, Andres E.
• Woods, Benjamin King Sutton

Abstract

<p>A parametrically driven structural model based on Mindlin-Reissner plate theory is developed to capture the three-dimensional deformations of a compliance-based morphing trailing edge device with severe structural discontinuities. This model addresses limitations of a previously developed Kirchoff-Love plate model, where out-of-plane displacements under torsional loading could not be accurately predicted due to unmodelled transverse shear deformations. The model is used to study the Fish Bone Active Camber (FishBAC) device, which is modelled here as a discontinuous plate structure, which captures the sudden changes in stiffness created by the concept geometrical configuration. Courant’s penalty method is implemented in the form of artificial penalty springs, to account for stiffness discontinuities. A numerical validation is performed using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This analytical model represents a robust, efficient, mesh-independent and parameter-driven solution to modelling discontinuous plate structures. These traits make it useful for ongoing fluid-structure interaction analysis and optimisation of the FishBAC concept, and for application to other complex composite structures.</p>

Topics

• impedance spectroscopy
• theory
• composite
• finite element analysis