Comparison of structural parameterization methods for the multidisciplinary optimization of active morphing wing sections

Abstract

Morphing wings promise to increase the aerodynamic efficiency of future aircraft. A challenging task is to find structures that enable the active deformation of morphing wings leading to an increased aerodynamic efficiency and being lightweight at the same time. For the development of suitable optimization methods, choosing an efficient topology parameterization method is a crucial point. Contrary demands are a small number of design variables and a wide description of valid structures. The present work compares three different parameterization methods for their applicability in the multidisciplinary multi-objective optimization of active morphing wing sections. Namely, these parameterization methods are Lindenmayer cellular systems, Voronoi diagrams and the bijective graph representation. It is shown that all three parameterization methods are basically suitable for the optimization problem addressed but have individual characteristics and benefits.