Kinematic modeling and optimization design of morphing leading edge with flexible skin and rigid linkage coupling

Variable camber wings have great potential to enhance the flight efficiency of aircraft due to their smooth and seamless surfaces. Nevertheless, how to address the precise deformation of the skin and the coordinated movement between the mechanism and the structure poses a significant challenge. In this study, an optimization design method for the rigid-flexible coupled morphing leading edge is proposed, and a quasi-static kinematic model of the leading edge is established by combining the geometrically nonlinear deformation computational model of the flexible skin with the internal rigid driving mechanism equations of motion. The multi-objective optimization problem of the structural parameters of the rigid mechanism is solved with the optimization objectives of the highest driving accuracy and minimum driving force. The constitutive parameters were determined according to the ideal point method and verified by finite element simulation and ground test. The results show that the average error between the deformed shape of the optimized leading edge and the desired shape is 1.14 mm, and the maximum error is 3.51 mm, which proves the effectiveness of the proposed method in the design of morphing leading edges.