• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
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• 제9권2호
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• pp.103-117
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• 2022

In this paper, a novel morphing mechanism using a deployable scissor structure was proposed for a variable camber morphing wing. The mechanism was designed through the optimization process so that the rib can form the target airfoils with different cambers. Lastly, the morphing wing was manufactured and its performance was successfully evaluated. The mechanism of the morphing wing rib was realized by a set of deployable scissor structure that can form diverse curvatures. This characteristic of the structure allows the mechanism to vary the camber that refers to the airfoil's curvature. The mechanism is not restrictive in defining the target shapes, allowing various airfoils and overall morphing wing shape to be implemented.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• 제14권4호
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• pp.659-678
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• 2014

The study is aimed at investigating the feasibility of a high TRL solution for a wing flap segment characterized by morphable camber airfoil and properly tailored to be implemented on a real-scale regional transportation aircraft. On the base of specific aerodynamic requirements in terms of target airfoil shapes and related external loads, the structural layout of the device was preliminarily defined. Advanced FE analyses were then carried out in order to properly size the load-carrying structure and the embedded actuation system. A full scale limited span prototype was finally manufactured and tested to: ${\bullet}$ demonstrate the morphing capability of the conceived structural layout; ${\bullet}$ demonstrate the capability of the morphing structure to withstand static loads representative of the limit aerodynamic pressures expected in service; ${\bullet}$ characterize the dynamic behavior of the morphing structure through the identification of the most significant normal modes. Obtained results showed high correlation levels with respect to numerical expectations thus proving the compliance of the device with the design requirements as well as the goodness of modeling approaches implemented during the design phase.

• International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences
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• 제12권3호
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• pp.225-240
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• 2011

Active and shape morphing aerospace structures are discussed with a focus on activities aimed at practical implementation. In active structures applications range from dynamic load alleviation in aircraft and spacecraft up to static and dynamic shape control. In contrast, shape morphing means strong shape variation according to different mission status and needs, aiming to enhance functionality and performance over wide flight and mission regimes. The interaction of required flexible materials with the morphing structure and the actuating mechanisms is specifically addressed together with approaches in design and simulation.

• 한국항공우주학회지
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• 제40권10호
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• pp.846-852
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• 2012

본 연구는 모핑 항공기 날개를 설계/제작하기 위한 선행 연구로서 기본날개단면 및 모핑날개단면에 대한 공력특성을 실험적으로 조사하였다. 이를 위해 Clark-Y형 에어포일을 가진 기본날개, 기계식 플랩을 가진 날개, 모핑플랩을 가진 날개를 제작하여 풍동실험을 수행하였다. 3축 로드셀을 이용하여 날개에 작용하는 양력, 항력 및 피칭모멘트를 측정하였으며, 풍동실험데이터는 Solid Blockage 와 Wake Blockage를 고려하여 보정하였다. 풍동 실험은 각 날개별로 다양한 속도, 레이놀즈, 받음각에 대해 수행되었다. 실험결과는 모핑 에어포일의 양력-항력 및 양력 피칭모멘트 특성이 기계식 플랩을 가지는 에어포일에 비해 우수한 것을 보여준다.

• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
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• 제1권3호
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• pp.331-351
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• 2014

The paper presents the development of numerical models referred to a morphing actuated aileron. The structural solution adopted consists of an internal part made of a composite chiral honeycomb that bears a flexible skin with an adequate combination of flexural stiffness and in-plane compliance. The identification of such structural frame makes possible an investigation of different actuation concepts based on diffused and discrete actuators installed in the skin or in the skin-core connection. An efficient approach is presented for the development of aeroelastic condensed models of the aileron, which are used in sensitivity studies and optimization processes. The aerodynamic performances and the energy required to actuate the morphing surface are evaluated and the definition of a general energetic performance index makes also possible a comparison with a rigid aileron. The results show that the morphing system can exploit the fluid-structure interaction in order to reduce the actuation energy and to attain considerable variations in the lift coefficient of the airfoil.

• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
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• 제2권3호
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• pp.303-328
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• 2015

A design methodology is presented to develop the hingeless control surfaces for MAV using adhesively bonded Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) actuators. These actuators have got the capability to deflect the trailing edge surfaces of the wing to attain the required maneuverability, besides achieving the set aerodynamic trim condition. A scheme involving design, analysis, fabrication and testing procedure has been adopted to realize the trailing edge morphing mechanism. The stiffness distribution of the composite MAV wing is tailored such that the induced deflection by piezoelectric actuation is approximately optimized. Through ground testing, the proposed concept has been demonstrated on a typical MAV structure. Electromechanical analysis is performed to evaluate the actuator performance and subsequently aeroelastic and 2D CFD analyses are carried out to see the functional requirements of wing trailing edge surfaces to behave as elevons. Efforts have been made to obtain the performance comparison of conventional control surfaces (elevons) with morphing wing trailing edge surfaces. A significant improvement in lift to drag ratio is noticed with morphed wing configuration in comparison to conventional wing. Further, it has been shown that the morphed wing trailing edge surfaces can be deployed as elevons for aerodynamic trim applications.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• 제15권6호
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• pp.1393-1410
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• 2015

An original sensor system based on Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG) for the strain monitoring of an adaptive wing element is presented in this paper. One of the main aims of the SARISTU project is in fact to measure the shape of a deformable wing for performance optimization. In detail, an Adaptive Trailing Edge (ATE) is monitored chord- and span-wise in order to estimate the deviation between the actual and the desired shape and, then, to allow attaining a prediction of the real aerodynamic behavior with respect to the expected one. The integration of a sensor system is not trivial: it has to fit inside the available room and to comply with the primary issue of the FBG protection. Moreover, dealing with morphing structures, large deformations are expected and a certain modulation is necessary to keep the measured strain inside the permissible measure range. In what follows, the mathematical model of an original FBG-based structural sensor system is presented, designed to evaluate the chord-wise strain of an Adaptive Trailing Edge device. Numerical and experimental results are compared, using a proof-of-concept setup. Further investigations aimed at improving the sensor capabilities, were finally addressed. The elasticity of the sensor structure was exploited to enlarge both the measurement and the linearity range. An optimisation process was then implemented to find out an optimal thickness distribution of the sensor system in order to alleviate the strain level within the referred component.