Challenges, Ideas, and Innovations of Joined-Wing Configurations: A Concept from the Past, an Opportunity for the Future Articles uri icon

publication date

  • November 2016

start page

  • 1

end page

  • 93

volume

  • 87

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0376-0421

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1873-1724

abstract

  • Diamond Wings, Strut- and Truss-Braced Wings, Box Wings, and PrandtlPlane, the so-called 'joinedWings", represent a dramatic departure from traditional configurations. Joined Wings are characterized by a structurally overconstrained layout which significantly increases the design space with multiple load paths and numerous solutions not available in classical wing systems. A tight link between the different disciplines (aerodynamics, flight mechanics, aeroelasticity, etc.) makes a Multidisciplinary Design and Optimization approach a necessity from the early design stages. Researchers showed potential in terms of aerodynamic efficiency, reduction of emissions and superior performances, strongly supporting the technical advantages of Joined Wings. This review will present these studies, with particular focus on the United States joined-wing SensorCraft, Strut-and Truss-Braced Wings, Box Wings and PrandtlPlane. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

keywords

  • equivalent static loads; multidisciplinary design optimization; response structural optimization; doublet-lattice method; minimum induced drag; lifting system; aircraft configurations; transonic transport; nonlinear response; prandtlplane