Analysis of the aerodynamically deployable wings and payload support structure of the mono tiltrotor

The Mono Tiltrotor (MTR) is a new vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) rotorcraft concept. The premise of the MTR is a tilting coaxial rotor system for lifting and propulsion, along with aerodynamically deployable fixed-wings for long-range cruise. The symmetric and controlled self-deployment of these wings is a critical design feature of the MTR concept. A mathematical model was developed to predict the optimal wing hinge geometry to obtain satisfactory wing deployment. The wing hinge design was then used to design and build a functional model that was tested in the University of Maryland's Glenn L. Martin wind tunnel. The measurements showed that with suitable design features, the symmetric and controlled deployment of the wings are possible using aerodynamic actuation alone. The mathematical model has also been shown to be capable of predicting the dynamic, time-dependent behavior of the wings, as well as being able to predict the overall nonlinear lift, drag, and pitching moments on the MTR wing and tail configuration with good correlation to measured data. A finite element method (FEM) model of the payload support structure was also developed to analyze forces, bending moments and displacements of the structure under load. Initial results show that significant bending moments will be present throughout the entire support structure. This FEM model can be incorporated into a full dynamic model of the MTR to study its dynamic behavior during flight maneuvers while carrying a payload.