Design of a Morphable Rib for a Flexible Trailing Edge

This report details an investigation which uses a methodical approach for identifying the best design for a morphable rib. This morphable rib is to be integrated with a Flexible Trailing Edge (FTE) design. Following the procedure of this report, 6 initial structure types were considered, specifically, these structures are auxetic. Based on Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation results, the best structures were iterated upon. These simulations aimed to find designs which had the greatest reaction force, indicating strength, and a minimal side deformation, which may indicate failure. FEA continued with changes made to specific dimensions, to understand the effects of variations on the original design. Full FTE assemblies were created as well, and loads were applied to the skin and displacements were added to simulate the morphing action. Based on the overall performance of the structure types and assessments of model 3D printed parts, the final ribs for this report were chosen to be the Structure type A, with a ligament thickness of 0.055 in. The ribs have been printed and are pending further testing, to validate simulation results. Future design work would include further iterations as well as integration with the morphing features of the FTE.