For tier 1 suppliers like GKN-Fokker, to remain competitive in the aerospace sector it is essential to offer design solutions fast whilst incorporating innovative technology. A methodology to enable rapid design and analysis studies of flaps and (innovative) deployment mechanisms is expected to be of great value in the proposal phase. To this end an existing KBE application at GKN-Fokker was expanded to include capabilities for the generation and analysis of flaps and deployment mechanisms. Two mechanism types are considered, including a traditional mechanism (dropped hinge) and an innovative mechanism developed at GKN-Fokker. The methodology was applied in two use-cases proving its value by providing design knowledge early in the design phase and enabling a meaningful trade-off between mechanisms to be performed. The gained knowledge is of great value for Fokker engineers looking for opportunities to implement the innovative mechanism in future design projects.
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