Novel Reduced Order in Time Models for Problems in Nonlinear Aeroelasticity

Research is proposed for the development and implementation of state of the art, reduced order models for problems in nonlinear aeroelasticity. Highly efficient and accurate aeroelastic simulation tools will be constructed based upon the mathematical formalism of optimal prediction theory and a novel implementation of a filtered harmonic balance solution methodology. The implications of the proposed work include orders of magnitude reduction in computational time, with minimal loss of accuracy, for time periodic problems in nonlinear aeroelasticity. The application of the proposed innovations spans the range of flight, from high-speed transport vehicles, to small-scale, flapping Micro-Air vehicles. Anticipated results include 1) the implementation of the proposed reduced order methodology into both a standard grid-based aeroelastic tool and a material point method monolithic aeroelastic solver for the production of technology ready, multi-flow regime aeroelastic simulation tools 2) application of the proposed work to large-scale simulation and comparison with experiment and "full-order" aeroelastic simulations and 3) advancement of the state of knowledge for nonlinear problems in aeroelasticity in both the subsonic, low Reynolds number regime and transonic high Reynolds number regime.

Various DoD components likely to have interests in this technology are the US Air Force, Army and Navy. Particularly, Air Force has a lot of research going on in aeroelasticity. Non-military applications represent another potential market sector. Improvements in the computational accuracy and efficiency for aeroelastic modeling are needed for a wide range of aerospace, ocean, and general engineering applications. The accurate assessment of aero-structural properties of aircrafts has been known to be very important in designing safe aircraft. Companies such as Boeing, Bell, Sikorsky, and AeroVironment are our industrial partners, and during our briefing for the technology to be developed in this SBIR, they indicated their strong interest. They will be actively involved in this project and they are expected to be immediate users of the end product. In addition, Pratt & Whitney, General Electric, General Dynamics, and Lockheed Martin represent other potential customers that we intend to aggressively pursue. And finally, corresponding companies in Europe and Asia represent an opportunity for exporting the resulting methods and technologies, provided that the NASA permits us to do this.

A broad range of NASA applications exists for the software infrastructure that is expected to result from this SBIR effort, and NASA centers will be the initial target. The direct application to the NASA represents a prime opportunity for further product development and enhancement, as well as a potential revenue stream from engineering support and technology acquisition.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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