Multi-body dynamics modeling and transient characteristics analysis for a folding wing

Abstract

The investigation of modeling the time evolution of a folding wing during the morphing process and the dynamic characteristics analysis is carried out. The governing equations with uniform form are developed from the integration of floating frame method in multi-body dynamics and component mode synthesis in structural dynamics. The time-dependent aerodynamic force is taken into the governing equations. The equation achieves the time-dependent coupling between structure and aerodynamics and avoids the data transmission and low efficiency, which holds true for the multi-segmented folding wing. The relative parameters in constraint equations are easily modified to be applied to both slow and fast-varying processes for a folding wing. Also, the influence of the velocity and attack angle on transient responses can be investigated. Transient response analysis shows that slower morphing means more stable transient responses. The flexibility of the folding wing has the significant influence on transient responses. To some extent, the aerodynamic force can be beneficial to the morphing process.