DESIGN & AEROELASTIC ANALYSIS OF MULTISTABLE RADIALLY FOLDABLE THIN WING

In this thesis project, we investigate the design of a bioinspired radially foldable multistable wing stiffened with bistable pyramidal units, to enable an aerial-aquatic vehicle to switch from an aquatic to an aerial mode and back. In the process of redesigning this morphing wing to improve upon its performance, we invent new methods to more effectively stiffen and control the revolute joint DOFs of radially foldable structures (which is the broader origami inspired structure category of the wing) with new bistable units that draw inspiration from a binder clip spring. Finally, we improve upon the Binder Clip Inspired (BCI) unit design by creating a multistable BCI version with an intermediate stable state to allow for lift distribution control of the wing by introducing a new geometric feature to this stiffening element. This extra feature renders the new BCI version multistable, and adds a high-lift configuration for the multistable fan-like wing. In the future, these multistable units that create a passively stable high-lift flap device can be implemented instead of traditionally actuated flap mechanisms in any aircraft, with fixed or foldable wings.