The optimisation of wing structures ‐ theory or practice?

Computer programs which model the static, dynamic and aeroelastic response of wing structures, and which permit optimisation of such structures, have been under development for more than 30 years. However, the industrial application of these programs remains small. This paper provides an overview of some of the existing optimisation methods which may be applied at various stages during the design of wing structures. An indication of the variety of design variables, constraints and objective functions available within these methods is given. Some general conclusions are drawn, about both the limitations and potential application of such structural optimisation techniques.