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Benefits and design challenges of adaptive structures for morphing aircraft

Part of: Smart Aircraft

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

D. Moorhouse ,
B. Sanders ,
M. von Spakovsky  and
J. Butt
D. Moorhouse
Affiliation:
US Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, USA
B. Sanders
Affiliation:
US Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, USA
M. von Spakovsky
Affiliation:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia, USA
J. Butt
Affiliation:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia, USA
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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the future of adaptive structures leading towards the concept of a fully morphing aircraft configuration. First, examples are shown to illustrate the potential system-level mission benefits of morphing wing geometry. The challenges of design integration are discussed along with the question of how to address the optimisation of such a system. This leads to a suggestion that non-traditional methods need to be developed. It is suggested that an integrated approach to defining the work to be done and the energy to be used is the solution. This approach is introduced and then some challenges are examined in more detail. First, concepts of mechanisation are discussed as ways to achieve optimum geometries. Then there are discussions of non-linearities that could be important. Finally, the flight control design challenge is considered in terms of the rate of change of the morphing geometry. The paper concludes with recommendations for future work.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 110 , Issue 1105 , March 2006 , pp. 157 - 162
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2006 

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