Integrated aero-structure design of circulation distribution for commercial aircraft wing

This paper deals with the design rule of commercial aircraft circulation distribution by establishing a NAND (Nested Analysis and Design) formulation. The approach incorporates an aero-structural analysis solver. A method is developed to estimate the wing weight based on fundamental structural principles. The aerodynamic solver is based on the full potential equation with viscosity modification. In order to find the most economical aerodynamic circulation distribution for a commercial aircraft this paper uses range as the object for this formulation. Finally an aerodynamic circulation distribution is found which enhances the aerodynamic resistance and flight distance respectively by 5% and 100 km. The conclusion is made that although elliptical circulation is best for aerodynamic characteristics, it may not be the best for civil aircraft design because of increasing structure weight. This conclusion can serve as a reference during civil aircraft wing design.