Abstract: Two important point in aeroelastic tailoring, i.e., determination of design variables and calculation of constraint derivatives were discussed. Two different methods in the determination of the design variables were evaluated. It seems that the polynomial expression of the thickness of the composite ply of the skin is more beneficial in practical application. By use of a simple box model and a delta wing model, the calculation of the derivatives of normal frequencies, mode shapes as well as flutter speeds are performed. Derivatives of normal frequencies and mode shapes calculated by stiffness and flexibility methods are all reasonable. In the calculation of the derivatives of flutter speeds, the effect of mode shape can be neglected.

Key words: aeroelasticity, composite material, structural optimization