Start Date

5-2020 12:00 AM

Description

This paper examines the defining characteristics of various solar aircraft configurations through gradient-based multidisciplinary design optimization. We first present a general gradient-based solar aircraft optimization framework which accounts for nonlinear aeroelastic effects resulting from structural flexibility. We then apply this framework to several discrete SR-HALE aircraft geometric, structural, and propulsion system configuration choices to determine the defining characteristics of each configuration choice.

Comments

Due to COVID-19, the Symposium was not able to be held this year. However, papers and posters were still submitted.

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May 1st, 12:00 AM

An Examination into the Defining Characteristics of Flexible Solar Aircraft Configurations Through Optimization

This paper examines the defining characteristics of various solar aircraft configurations through gradient-based multidisciplinary design optimization. We first present a general gradient-based solar aircraft optimization framework which accounts for nonlinear aeroelastic effects resulting from structural flexibility. We then apply this framework to several discrete SR-HALE aircraft geometric, structural, and propulsion system configuration choices to determine the defining characteristics of each configuration choice.