An aircraft adaptive wing can vary its parameters such as camber, and span-wise wing twist canbe varied to optimize the wing shape for various flight conditions. The aerodynamic benefits (in terms of increased weight/dimension ratio, improved maneuverability and delayed flow separation) have been analytically and experimentally established. The additional weight penalty and complexity of the actuation mechanism has placed a practical limit for the implementation of the concept in operational aircraft to date. Recent development of sensors and actuators using smart materials, however, hold the promise of alleviating the restrictions of prior designs, paying the way for a practical smart adaptive wing which responds to changes in flight and environmental conditions by modifying its shape to provide optimal performance. Conceptual designs are presented, based on state-of-the art materials, incorporating new ideas in integrated sensing and actuation systems for a proposed smart wing design, that may be eventually transitionable to a high performance military aircraft. Smart structure and material technologies found applications to a conceptual smart wing in the following key areas: (1) composite wing box with built in shape memory alloys (SMA)actuators to vary span-wise wing twist, (2) control surface deployment using piezoelectric and composite shape memory alloys (SMA), and (3) fiber optic pressure sensor embedded wing array for real-time feedback control. Plans are described to demonstrate proof-of-concept on a prototype 1/10 scale F-18 model which will be tested in a wind-tunnel for final validation. Highlights of the proposed program are summarized with respect to program objectives, requirements, key concept design features, demonstration testing, and smart wing technology payoffs and risks.
Adaptive smart wing design for military aircraft: requirements, concepts, and payoffs
Entwurf von adaptiven Tragflächenregelungen für Militärflugzeuge mit in smarte Wekstoffe eingebetteten Stellgliedern und Meßaufnehmern: Anforderungen, Konzepte und Ergebnisse
1995
10 Seiten, 8 Bilder, 6 Tabellen, 6 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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