Development of alternative deployment mechanisms for trailing edge high-lift devices (flaps)

The young industry of aviation is facing loads of challenges : new propellant for more sustainable flights, new materials for lighter aircraft, more efficient engines, etc. On the efficiency, another challenge is to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the fuselage and other aerodynamic appendages. This thesis is challenging the existing solution for the fairing of the deployment mechanisms for trailing edge high-lift devices by proposing alternative mechanism designs. Through the analysis of the existing solution, the development of basic equations in aerodynamics of flights and qualifying the functional requirements of the desired outcomes, a set of boundaries have been defined to frame the work. The next part of the design process is the exploration phase where various kinematic layouts, mechanical concepts and ideas have been tested and described based on various inspirations. Finally, in order to objectively classify and criticize the presented outcomes, a process of evaluation based on the weighted objective method have been carried out. The conclusion of the present paper is a set of five propositions with various degrees of achievement that lay the foundation for an improved iteration of their kinematic concepts. Far from being finished products, these propositions may be used by other design teams at Sonaca to nourish their future work or to improve the task initiated here.