Optimization Framework of a Ram Air Inlet Composite Morphing Flap

Abstract

The ram air inlets flaps are used in some aircraft to modulate the amount of ram
air cooling the Environmental Control System. The current flap design features two metallic plates connected with a hinge. The present work studies an alternative design that replaces the metallic plates with a single composite laminate with morphing capabilities. An optimization framework is proposed to define the thickness distribution of the laminate taking into account the desired operational shapes, manufacturing guidelines and maximum allowable strains. This framework combines linear and nonlinear simulations to account for the large deflections while limiting the computational cost of the optimization. The results of the optimization framework are discussed at the end of the paper and next steps are formulated.