NASA and Boeing are working together to develop longer, more slender wings for future commercial airplanes. These wings are designed to provide a smoother ride and save fuel. However, such innovative technology poses challenges that experts are currently addressing.
The Integrated Adaptive Wing Technology Maturation collaboration between NASA and Boeing recently conducted wind tunnel tests on a model with a “higher aspect ratio wing.” These tests aimed to find ways to maintain the efficiency benefits of longer, thinner wings while addressing potential issues related to their flexibility during flight. NASA aerospace engineer Jennifer Pinkerton explained that highly flexible wings can experience greater motions due to factors like gust loads and maneuver loads. Despite these challenges, higher aspect ratio wings are known for being more fuel efficient, motivating researchers to harness these benefits while managing aeroelastic effects.
Original Source: NASA