• 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.