Effect of Uncertainty on Wing Jig Shape Design for Robust Flight Performance

The ability to robustly set the wing jig shape and then achieve in-service aerodynamic performance is a key challenge area, particularly in the early design phase when an immature and uncertain design definition exists. This paper explores the effect of uncertainty and the inclusion of mitigation options in the design process along the timeline for aircraft wing design. Two approaches are used to solve the design problem. The first consists of two stages and sequentially applies wing jig shape setting and future aeroelastic tailoring, whereas the alternative approach considers both aspects simultaneously. A mathematical problem is formulated and demonstrated on a simple mass-spring system incorporating uncertainty in all relevant parameters and the effect that these have on performance and cost. This work investigates the impact of the design approaches on the solutions, and also provides the opportunity to establish an academic challenge regarding uncertainty control and management in early design over the timeline of key decision making for aircraft design.