• 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.18 no.4
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• pp.34-42
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• 2024

This study developed a morphing technology applicable to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with diverse flight characteristics. Existing morphing technologies require additional mechanisms and driving devices, posing challenges in constructing features such as ribs and spars within the wing structure, leading to structural instability. To address this, we developed a Variable-Camber and Variable-Chord (VCC) morphing flap that could maintains a continuously transforming surface during deformation, altering both camber shape and chord length simultaneously. Furthermore, we conducted design and fabrication of UAV wings incorporating these morphing flaps, ensuring structural stability by developing specialized shapes. Furthermore, structural experiments were conducted to simulate flight loads, followed by actual flight tests to validate performances of both morphing mechanism and wings. Finally, wind tunnel tests were conducted to compare results with aerodynamic analysis, confirming the effective applicability of this morphing technology.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.44 no.7
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• pp.562-567
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• 2016

Morphing wing which has a configuration optimized to flight speed and condition is faced to a lot of barriers to be overcome such as actuator technique, structural mechanization technique, flexible skin material, control law, and so on. As the first step for developing a morphing wing with rapid response, we designed and fabricated the morphing airfoil using a SMA(shape memory alloy) wire actuator and torsional bias springs. The design concept of the morphing airfoil was verified through operation test. The measured results show that the flap deflects smoothly and fast.

• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
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• v.2 no.3
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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.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society For Composite Materials Conference
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• 2004.04a
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• pp.123-126
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• 2004

Two-way shape memory effect(TWSME) under residual stresses are considered in the present study. The structure using two-way shape memory effect 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 beam are considered as simple morphing structural components which are based on large deformable 2D composite beam theory. Numerical results of fully coupled SMA-composite structures are presented.

• International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2013

Morphing aircraft capable of varying their wing form can operate efficiently at various flight conditions. However, radical morphing of the aircraft leads to increased structural complexities, resulting in occurrence of dynamic instabilities such as flutter, which can lead to catastrophic events. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to investigate and understand the changes in flutter characteristics of morphing wings, to ensure uncompromised safety and maximum reliability. In this paper, a study on the flutter characteristics of the folding wing type morphing concept is conducted, to examine the effect of changes in folding angles on the flutter speed and flutter frequency. The subsonic aerodynamic theory Doublet Lattice Method (DLM) and p-k method are used, to perform the flutter analysis in MSC.NASTRAN. The present baseline flutter characteristics correspond well with the results from previous study. Furthermore, enhancement of the flutter characteristics of an aluminum folding wing is proposed, by varying the outboard wing folding angle independently of the inboard wing folding angle. It is clearly found that the flutter characteristics are strongly influenced by changes in the inboard/outboard folding angles, and significant improvement in the flutter characteristics of a folding wing can be achieved, by varying its outboard wing folding angle.