A Meta-Model for composite wingbox sizing in aircraft conceptual design

This works describes the implementation of a semi-analytical representation of the wingbox structure in the conceptual and preliminary design phases, it manages different analysis and design models with different levels of detail and complexity. Starting from the description of the wing with macro-parameters, e.g. airfoils position, spars location, ribs and stringers pitch, the wing is geometrically identified and divided into its components. By providing the structural and material properties to the components, it is possible to realize different FEM models to be used for different analyses.The introduction of the Meta-Model in conceptual design phases improves the description of the wing, providing more realistic models for the weight estimation procedure through physically based aero-servo-elastic sizing and optimization.This approach initializes the aero-structural Digital Twin of the aircraft, which can be used for the health monitoring and maintenance planning of existing aircraft.