International Journal of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Volume 3 – No.5, September 2016 22 ISSN (O): 2393-8609 DESIGN, ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF FOLDING WING MECHANISM FOR EFFECTIVE UTILIZATION OF AIR SIDE AREA Dishant Kothia University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun dishant.kothia95@gmail.c om Japneet Singh University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun japisingh1@gmail.com Akanksha Dadhich University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun akankshadadhich4@gmai l.com ABSTRACT This paper aims to suggest a solution for the problem of disproportionately lesser growth of airside space with respect to growth of passengers/air traffic by using wing folding mechanism in aircrafts while on ground. A study of air traffic growth was followed by selecting STO-wing mechanism which met with desired requirements. Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was selected as base aircraft as it met certain criterion and analysis for mechanism was started. Different mechanisms of implementing STO-wing are discussed, and calculation for rod-lug mechanism which was finally chosen is shown. Its FEM analysis was carried out in ANSYS 14.5 along with mesh sensitivity study. An extensive weight optimization was carried out to make it as commercially viable as possible. Then advantages and limitations of this type of solution with respect to other probable solutions are discussed and future scope of this endeavor is underlined. Keywords STO-wing folding mechanism, FEM, weight optimization, Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner 1. INTRODUCTION Our envisaged future gives an insight into the skies full of flying machines, and increased traffic. Thus this paper checks the problems arising due to the inevitable traffic growth because of increased preference of air travel, air cargo and trade. As aircraft traffic is bound to increase there is a requirement to either increase air side area of all airports around the world or reduce the “footprint” of existing or future aircrafts. This paper presents solution of problem in form of a folding wing mechanism for civilian aircrafts which will greatly reduce their “footprint” on ground. So, a STO-wing has been designed keeping in view the future requirements. The STO-wing mechanism proposed, gives the wing, a degree of freedom about two axes using a single lug-rod arrangement. The foldable portion of the wing can be folded in both horizontal and vertical direction simultaneously with a single lug-rod arrangement movement. Also, the use of composite and titanium materials in this mechanism can compensate for the added weight to some extent. Once developed, this technique can usher the scope for parking many of the huge airliners at a time in fewer number of terminals, ease in taxing after and prior to landing, passenger comfort and convenience, and many minutes of time saved. To serve the purpose of an efficient flight and ground operations altogether, a folding wing design has been employed to Boeing 787. 2. LITERARY REVIEW A study was done for past World War-2 era mechanisms, currently used mechanisms in small private aircrafts and also spring loaded mechanisms used in some modern cruise missiles. The naval helicopters and the ship-borne aircraft- carriers have been the pioneer, in the sphere of foldable main- planes and tail-planes. Many patents have been created by the leading designers and manufacturers. The merits and demand of a folding wing mechanism to potentially cease the ill- effects of traffic growth in aviation industry have paved the basis for considering the design. The concept of folding wings originated with the necessity of room in case of naval fixed-wing aircrafts that operate from the limited deck space. There was a need of space and localization on the hangar and flight decks. Short Brothers, the world's first aircraft manufacturer, developed and patented folding wing mechanisms for ship- borne aircraft called the Short Folder, the first patent being granted in 1913. The wings were hinged so that they folded back horizontally alongside the fuselage, usually being held in place by latches projecting sideways from the rear of the fuselage. Later, Grumman F4F Wildcat by Leroy Grumman became the first American built carrier-based aircraft with folding wings. F4F-4 had a STO-wing mechanism which was intensely studied and was a major source for designing the STO-wing mechanism for civilian aircrafts. Figure 1. Folding wing mechanism of Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat [9] The folding wing mechanisms have been concentrated to military and navy aircrafts in order to create room for large number of aircrafts. But with the expansion of the aircraft industry and advent of more passengers & airplanes, the commercial airliners are also facing the need of space on airports.