Numerical optimisation of ply orientation for aeroelastic tailoring

Abstract

This research explores the aeroelastic performance of a composite cantilever wing. The aim is clear: design a structure that resists flutter while staying light. We connect aerodynamic analysis with structural dynamics to reach this goal. First, we run CFD simulations to measure lift and drag coefficients at different flow speeds. We then convert these coefficients into forces. Next, we apply these forces as uniform pressure loads on the wing surfaces in ANSYS Workbench. This step directly links fluid flow results to structural response. We model the structure in both shell and solid forms. Each model captures stiffness and mass differently. The modal analysis reveals the natural frequencies and mode shapes. We track changes in torsional and bending modes as the ply count increases. More plies make the structure stiffer, but the gain slows after a certain thickness. The 8-ply configuration offers the best balance between stiffness, weight, and mode separation. Harmonic response simulations test the wing under realistic oscillating loads. We focus on vibration amplitudes near resonance. We compare multiple stacking sequences, especially for the 12-ply case. Some layups reduce torsion–bending coupling and shift resonance away from critical flight frequencies. One configuration shows the lowest displacement peaks at both 60 m/s and 80 m/s, making it the top candidate. These results give engineers a direct method to link aerodynamic loads with structural vibration data. The workflow is simple, fast, and repeatable. Future work will extend the method to high-speed compressible flows and validate results with wind tunnel experiments.