COMPARATIVE STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF ALUMINUM AND COMPOSITE WING OF PASSENGER AIRCRAFT

Abstract

This paper focuses on the conceptual design and structural analysis of winglets attached to the wings of passenger planes, with the aim of improving aircraft performance by reducing fuel consumption and increasing range. Winglets, which are upward and outward extensions of the wings, function by mitigating the drag induced by wingtip vortices. This study underscores the criticality of the winglets' design, as it must strike a balance between structural integrity and lightweight construction. To achieve these objectives, the study proposes the utilization of aluminum and composite materials in a thin-walled construction. Aluminum offers favorable strength-to-weight ratios, rendering it a commonly employed material in aircraft construction. In contrast, composite materials exhibit exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and excellent resistance to corrosion, making them highly suitable for lightweight constructions.