Airfoil morphing based on SMA actuation technology
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop an innovative actuator for improving the performance of future aircraft, by adapting the airfoil shape according to the flight conditions. The flap’s camber of a civil regional transportation aircraft’s trailing edge actuated and morphed with the use of shape memory alloys (SMA) actuator technology, instead of the conventional split flap mechanism is studied.
Design/methodology/approach
For the flap’s members sizing an efficient methodology is utilised based on finite element (FE) stress analysis combined to analytically formulated design criteria. A mechanical simulation within an FE approach simulated the performance of the moving rib, integrating both aerodynamic loads and SMA phenomenology, implementing Lagouda’s constitutive model. Aim of this numerical simulation is to provide guidelines for further development of the flap. A three-dimensional assembly of the flap is constructed to produce manufacturing drawing and to ensure that during its morphing no interference between the members occurrs. Eventually, the manufactured flap is integrated on a test rig and the experimental characterisations under no and static loads, and dynamic excitation are performed.
Findings
Experimental results showed that the rib’s SMA mechanism can adequate function under load providing satisfactory morphing capabilities.
Originality/value
The investigated approach is an internal into the flap mechanism based on the shape memory effect of thin wires. In the developed mechanism, SMA wires are attached to the wing structure, where they function as actuating elements.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Part of this work was performed in the frame of the JTI GRA Clean Sky Joint “Shape Memory Alloy Trailing Edge” (SMyTE) project under the supervision of the Italian Aerospace Research Center, CIRA. The financial support of the European Commission is gratefully acknowledged.
Citation
Karagiannis, D., Stamatelos, D., Spathopoulos, T., Solomou, A., Machairas, T., Chrysohoidis, N., Saravanos, D. and Kappatos, V. (2014), "Airfoil morphing based on SMA actuation technology", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 86 No. 4, pp. 295-306. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-10-2012-0194
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited