Assessment of an efficient computational framework for aeroelastic scaling through aerodynamic shape tailoring

Abstract

Modern high aspect ratio configurations deliver aerodynamic efficiency at the cost of significant geometric nonlinearities and highly coupled fluid-structure interactions. Sub-scale testing remains indispensable for validating the resulting aeroelastic phenomena, yet aerodynamic similarity is fundamentally challenged by the Reynolds number decrease at reduced scale, which reshapes boundary layers, modifies pressure gradients, and perturbs the load deflection equilibrium and flutter boundaries. This paper proposes and evaluates a computational framework that targets aeroelastic scaling through aerodynamic shape tailoring. Research questions include whether computationally inexpensive two-dimensional (2D) airfoil optimization can recover the full scale aeroelastic load distribution with sufficient fidelity, or whether fully three-dimensional (3D) wing level optimization is required. A flexible benchmark wing (Pazy Wing), was considered for evaluation. The internal structure was dynamically scaled to preserve the key non dimensional parameters governing the structural response. The results obtained from a gradient-based 2D sectional optimization, matching full-scale sectional lift at sub-scale Reynolds number are applied to a coupled aero-structural simulation of the entire wing. High fidelity CFD was coupled with a geometrically linear beam model to predict aeroelastic equilibria. The study provides practical guidance on when 2D tailoring suffices and when the spanwise physics and induced effects require 3D optimization, thereby informing resource allocation for sub-scale aeroelastic validation in conventional wind tunnels.