This article presents a research of a gapless and rudderless aeroelastic fin (GRAF) structure. It includes conceptual design, structural modelling, and performance analysis for a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fin. Instead of the conventional design of rigid fin with a hinged rudder for the UAV, the GRAF is designed as a unitized structural system integrating three primary components: a flexible skin reinforced by ribs and stringers, a flexible trailing edge (TE) section, and a rigid shaft connecting the ribs and actuators at the root. There are four novel design features in the GRAF to enhance its aeroelastic effect and performance. They include an activated shaft spar, a flexible TE section with an elastic TE and leading edge, an L-shape stringer for reinforcement and part of the TE skin actuation mechanism, and a compliant slot at the GRAF root mounting. A small UAV was taken as an example to compare the directional stability and controllability of the GRAF with the conventional fin. The results have shown that the GRAF satisfies the design and performance requirements although the divergence and flutter margin is slightly smaller than the conventional design.


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    Title :

    Design and analysis of a rudderless aeroelastic fin


    Contributors:
    Trapani, M (author) / Guo, S (author)


    Publication date :

    2009-06-01


    Size :

    10 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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