Aeroelastic characteristics of multi-segment thin flexible structures with deflected flaps

This study investigates the aeroelastic characteristics of multi-segment thin flexible structures with deflected flaps, focusing on their aerodynamic and hydrodynamic performance as well as vortex dynamics. These multi-segment structures, which can adapt their geometry through flap deflection, exhibit enhanced aerodynamic, hydrodynamic, and maneuvering capabilities across a range of flow conditions. A variational multibody aeroelastic modeling framework is employed to simulate the coupled fluid-membrane-flap dynamics as a function of the leading- and trailing-edge flap deflection angles. The lift, drag, and flow structures of the multi-segment system are analyzed under pre-stall and post-stall conditions to assess the influence of flap deflection. The results demonstrate that trailing-edge flap deflection improves lift performance under pre-stall conditions by modifying vortex structures, while leading-edge flap deflection promotes vortex attachment, enhancing lift performance in post-stall conditions. The thin structure forms streamlined shapes through flap deflection to reduce drag by optimizing the flow field. These findings underscore the importance of effective camber variation and the formation of leading-edge vortices in enhancing aerodynamic and hydrodynamic efficiency across varying flow conditions. The results provide valuable insights for optimizing morphing wing designs with deflected flaps, offering significant potential for improving maneuverability and efficiency in both aviation and underwater applications.