Prototipo di sezione alare adattiva per UAV: centina deformabile con attuatori in SMA

Conference item

Control of aerodynamic forces in conventional wings is provided by mean of hinged aerodynamic devices that induce discontinuities in the wing surface and, consequently, a loss of wing efficiency. The ideal would be to obtain gap free modifications of the wing shape to control aerodynamic forces without a price to pay in terms of efficiency. This paper introduces the concept design of a smooth morphing compliant wing rib capable of distorting its outline in order to switch from a high lift aerodynamic profile to a low drag aerodynamic profile suitable to reduce fuel consumption and increase cruising speed. Actuation loads are provided by shape memory NiTi alloy actuators placed within the frame of a wing section. The elastic response of the wing structure is predicted using the matrix method with beam elements formulation. Topology and geometric parameters of the elements are optimized using a genetic algorithm aimed to achieve that the actuator loads produce the desired airfoil shape modification. Experimental tests suggest further applications.

Authors: Mirone, G; Pellegrino, A

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Associazione Italiana per l’Analisi delle Sollecitazioni (AIAS)
• Host title: AIAS – ASSOCIAZIONE ITALIANA PER L’ANALISI DELLE SOLLECITAZIONI: Proceeding of the XXXVIII Convegno Nazionale, Associazione Italiana per l’Analisi delle Sollecitazioni (AIAS)
• Journal: Proceeding of the XXXVIII Convegno Nazionale
• Publication date: 2009-07-31
• Acceptance date: 2009-09-09
• Keywords: SBTMR