Aerodynamic Analysis of Morphing Winglets for Improved Commercial Aircraft Performance

Abstract

This article describes the performance benefits of variable winglet configurations. The primary variables investigatedinvolved varying the winglet twist and dihedral angle of a comparable Airbus A330-300 wing structure. Numerical studieshave been carried out in AVL (Athena Vortex Lattice Method). In order to illustrate the aerodynamic benefits of morphingwinglet concepts for different flight regimes, values of twist (-10°< θ