This collection includes most of the ASU Theses and Dissertations from 2011 to present. ASU Theses and Dissertations are available in downloadable PDF format; however, a small percentage of items are under embargo. Information about the dissertations/theses includes degree information, committee members, an abstract, supporting data or media.

In addition to the electronic theses found in the ASU Digital Repository, ASU Theses and Dissertations can be found in the ASU Library Catalog.

Dissertations and Theses granted by Arizona State University are archived and made available through a joint effort of the ASU Graduate College and the ASU Libraries. For more information or questions about this collection contact or visit the Digital Repository ETD Library Guide or contact the ASU Graduate College at gradformat@asu.edu.

Displaying 1 - 1 of 1
171534-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
As the push to develop ever more efficient aircraft increases, the use of lightweight composite materials to meet this push has increased. Traditional aircraft structural component sizing has revolved around the tensile yield strength of materials. Since composite materials excel in tensile strength, these traditional sizing tools provide overly optimistic

As the push to develop ever more efficient aircraft increases, the use of lightweight composite materials to meet this push has increased. Traditional aircraft structural component sizing has revolved around the tensile yield strength of materials. Since composite materials excel in tensile strength, these traditional sizing tools provide overly optimistic weight reduction predictions. Furthermore, composite materials, in general, are weak under compression and shear. Thus, proper structural sizing yields heavier-than-expected designs. Nevertheless, a wing using thin, lightweight composites in the primary load-bearing components significantly impacts its static aeroelastic properties. These thin structures have a decreased flexural rigidity, making them more susceptible to bending. The bending of swept wings decreases the design wing twist and dihedral angle, potentially impacting the aerodynamic performance and the lateral stability and control, respectively. This work aims to determine what, if any, are the effects of excessive static aeroelastic properties on the aerodynamic performance of an aircraft. Does the perceived gain in the theoretical reduction in structural weight outweigh the potential reduction in aerodynamic performance?
ContributorsWebb, Benjamin David (Author) / Takahashi, Timothy (Thesis advisor) / Herrmann, Marcus (Committee member) / Perez, Ruben (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022