Aeroelasticity and Control of eVTOL Aircraft: A Comprehensive Review of Modeling, Testing, and Certification Pathways
Keywords:
eVTOL, aeroelasticity, active flutter suppression, model-predictive control, digital twin, certification by analysis, distributed propulsion, structural health monitoring, urban air mobilityAbstract
This review aims to synthesize the current state of research on aeroelastic modeling, control strategies, experimental validation, and certification frameworks for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. A qualitative integrative review design was employed to analyze peer-reviewed studies and technical reports published between 2015 and 2025. Databases including Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and ScienceDirect were systematically searched using combinations of the terms eVTOL, aeroelasticity, flutter, active control, and certification. Following screening and full-text evaluation, 16 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for thematic analysis. Data were imported into NVivo 14 for open, axial, and selective coding. Four overarching themes emerged: (1) aeroelastic modeling frameworks, (2) aeroelastic control and stability enhancement, (3) experimental and computational testing strategies, and (4) certification and regulatory challenges. Theoretical saturation was reached when no new codes appeared. The analysis shows that modern eVTOL research is rapidly converging on integrated multiphysics modeling that couples aerodynamic, structural, and propulsion dynamics. Adaptive and model-predictive control strategies—often augmented by smart materials or AI-based algorithms—are increasingly used to suppress flutter and enhance structural resilience. Experimental validation is transitioning from isolated ground and wind-tunnel tests to hybrid experimental–computational pipelines supported by digital-twin frameworks and uncertainty quantification. Certification research remains nascent, but efforts toward simulation-based “Certification by Analysis,” continuous airworthiness monitoring, and harmonized FAA/EASA standards are reshaping the regulatory landscape. Aeroelasticity and control are central to the safe realization of eVTOL technology. Future progress depends on integrating high-fidelity modeling, adaptive control, digital-twin validation, and risk-informed certification. Establishing standardized benchmarks and regulatory guidance for distributed-propulsion configurations will be vital for transitioning eVTOL research from laboratory innovation to certified operation in advanced air-mobility systems.
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