Flutter characteristics of a two-dimensional prepositive elliptical wing–main wing combined configuration

Abstract

Flutter is a complex dynamic aeroelastic problem that poses a significant threat to flight safety, making its mitigation a critical focus of aeronautical research. This study proposes a two-dimensional prepositive elliptical wing–main wing combined configuration (abbreviated as pre–main wing) and investigates its influence on flutter characteristics. Based on structural dynamics, a reduced-order aeroelastic model of the two-dimensional combined configuration is established. The critical flutter velocities of configurations with and without the prepositive elliptical wing are computed using the eigenvalue method. The results from a representative case show that the configuration yields a critical flutter speed enhancement of up to 43.59%. Through a parametric design space exploration, a range of effective design parameters is identified: for chordwise placement within 0.04 c (where c is the main wing chord) directly in front of the main wing, a pre-wing with a long axis of 0.02 c , short axis of 0.005 c , and aspect ratio of 4 is recommended. For distances beyond 0.04 c , a diagonal arrangement above and ahead of the main wing is more effective, with a recommended long axis of 0.01 c , a short axis of 0.005 c , and an aspect ratio of 2.