Equivalent plate modeling for complex wing configurations

A multi-plate model based on Ritz method and penalty function technique is developed to model complex wing configurations formed by wing segments in different planes. Each wing segment is modeled as a plate element basing on the first-order shear deformation plate theory. The penalty function technique is used to impose displacement compatibility along sides of adjacent plate elements. The stiffness and mass matrix of the whole configuration are assembled using the equality of total stain energy and kinetic energy. The natural frequencies and the modes are obtained by solving an eigenvalue problem. As a test, a flying wing configuration is modeled using two plates and its structural dynamics and flutter results are compared with finite element model. Good agreement is obtained but the multi-plate model is more efficient. The multi-plate modeling method provides an efficient tool for quickly modeling of complex wing configuration.