Procedure for Automating Aircraft Wing Structural Design

A computer program entitled Design of Aircraft Wing Structures (DAWNS) is described. Particular methods used to incorporate the analytical procedures required from the aerodynamic and structural disciplines into this automatic design program are described. Loads on the structure are calculated using linearized Mach box aerodynamics, and a finite element idealization is used for the structural analysis. During the design the structural members are fully stressed to the allowables of either material yield strength or buckling, or they are limited to minimum gage. The program provides detailed design information such as aerodynamic pressure distribution, cross-sectional dimensions and corresponding stresses in each structural member, and the idealized structural mass of the final design. Simple user input combined with rapid iteration of analysis and design procedures and graphical output of design information permits early evaluation of the effect of changes in design variables.