• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.193-207
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• 2019

This study concerns with morphing structures, e.g. as applied in the aerospace industry. A morphing aerofoil structure capable of variable geometry was developed, which was shown to be able to cater for the different aerodynamic requirements at different stages of flight. In this work, the useful and relatively simple method has been applied, which provides a direct method for calculating required morphing shape displacements via finding the most effective bar through calculating bar sensitivity to displacement and calculating set of length actuations for bar assembly to control/adjust shape imperfection of prestressable structural assemblies including complex elements ("macro-elements", e.g., the pantographic element), involving Matrix Condensation. The technique has been verified by experiments on the physical model of an aerofoil shaped morphing pantographic structure. Overall, experimental results agree well with theoretical prediction. Furthermore, the technique of multi-iteration adjustment was presented that effective in eliminating errors that occur in the practical adjustment process itself. It has been demonstrated by the experiments on the physical model of pantographic morphing structure. Finally, the study discusses identification of the most effective bars with the objective of minimal number of actuators or minimum actuation.

• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.1-6
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• 2012

The morphing flap wing has different structure unliked general wing structure. The actuated chord length of the morphing flap was more longer than conventional wing flap. In this reason, morphing flap wing structure was important to bending moment by aerodynamic lift force. In this study, through the fluid-structure interaction using computational fluid dynamics and structure finite element analysis to apply that the morphing flap wing's static aeroelastic stability analysis.

• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
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• v.9 no.2
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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.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.617-632
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• 2011

A concept of crash energy absorbing (CEA) lattice structure for an inflatable morphing vehicle body (Lee et al. 2008) has been investigated as a method of providing rigidity and energy absorption capability during a vehicular collision (Lee et al. 2007). A modified analytical model for the CEA lattice structure design is described in this paper. The modification of the analytic model was made with a stiffness approach for the elastic region and updated plastic limit analysis with a pure plastic bending deformation concept and amended elongation factors for the plastic region. The proposed CEA structure is composed of a morphing lattice structure with movable thin-walled members for morphing purposes, members that will be locked in designated positions either before or during the crash. What will be described here is how to model the CEA structure analytically based on the energy absorbed by the CEA structure.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.168-174
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• 2012

This paper presents a bending propagating actuation using SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) spring for an effective shape transition of a flytrap-inspired soft morphing structure. The flytrap-inspired soft morphing structure is made from unsymmetric CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Prepreg) structure which shows bi-stability and snap-through phenomenon. For a thin and large curved bistable CFRP structure, SMA spring is more acceptable than SMA wire and piezoelectric actuator which used in previous investigations. A bending propagating actuation is proposed which can induce snap-through of the bi-stable CFRP structure effectively. From this research, effective shape transition of soft morphing structure is possible.

• Korean Journal of Computational Design and Engineering
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.269-279
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• 2002

Geometric shape morphing is an interesting geometric operation that interpolates two geometric shapes to generate in-betweens. It is well known that Minkowski operations can be used to test and build collision-free motion paths and to modify shapes in digital image processing. In this paper, we present a new geometric modeling technique to control the morphing on geometric shapes based on Minkowski sum. The basic idea develops from the linear interpolation on two geometric shapes where the traditional algebraic sum is replaced by Minkowski sum. We extend this scheme into a Bezier-like control structure with multiple control shapes, which enables the interactive control over the intermediate shapes during the morphing sequence as in the traditional CAGD curve/surface editing. Moreover, we apply the theory of blossoming to our control structure, whereby our control structure becomes even more flexible and general. In this paper, we present mathematical models of control structure, their properties, and computational issues with examples.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.14 no.4
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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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• v.12 no.3
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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.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society For Composite Materials Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.146-149
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• 2003

Two-way shape memory effect(TWSME) under residual stresses are considered in the present study. The structure using two-way shape memory alloy(SMA) concept returns to its initial shape by increasing or decreasing temperature under the initially given residual stress. In the present study, we use a thermo-mechanical constitutive equation of SMA and laminated composite plates are considered as simple morphing structural components which are based on first order shear deformable laminated composite plate with large deflection. Numerical results of fully coupled SMA-composite structures are presented

• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
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• v.1 no.3
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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.