S. Barbarino, University of Naples, Napoli, Italy; A. Concilio, S. Ameduri, C.I.R.A. - Italian Aerospace Research Centre, Capua, Italy; R. Pecora, L. Lecce, University of Naples "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
The adaptive structures’ concept is of great interest for researchers involved in the aeronautical field because of the several benefits which can be accomplished and are compulsory in the design of future aircrafts, such as noise reduction, load alleviation, performance improvement, drag and weight reduction. Improvements in terms of aerodynamic efficiency, aeroelastic behaviour, stability and manoeuvrability performance were proved by many international studies, based on the Smart Structure concept.
Among the family of Smart Materials, Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) seem to be the most suitable solution for many static applications in the aerospace field. Their high structural integration and thermo-mechanical properties, in conjunction with actuation capability and a favourable performance per weight ratio, allow for the development of an original and efficient architecture.
In this work, an application for a morphing wing trailing edge is presented; morphing capability was introduced in order to replace a conventional flap device. A compliant rib structure has been designed, based on SMA actuators able to sustain the external aerodynamic loads and simultaneously allow controlled wing shape modification.
The numerical results, achieved through a FE approach, have been presented in terms of trailing edge induced displacement and morphed shape.
Summary: The adaptive structures concept is of great interest for researchers involved in the aeronautical field because of the several benefits which can be accomplished and which are compulsory in the design of future aircrafts, such as noise reduction, load alleviation, performance improvement, drag and weight reduction. Improvements in terms of aerodynamic efficiency, aeroelastic behaviour, stability and manoeuvrability performance were proved by many international studies. The development of new structural aeronautics architectures together with the implementation of innovative materials is mandatory for succeeding in these critical tasks. For this reason, the Smart Structure concept is taken into account for more and more aerospace applications and for the one here presented.
Within the family of Smart Materials, Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) seem to be among the most suitable solution for many static applications in the aerospace field. Their high structural integration and thermo-mechanical properties, in conjunction with actuation capability and a favourable performance per weight ratio, allow for the development of an original and efficient architecture; moreover architecture’s weight and, mechanical complexity can be decreased if such a solution is adopted in replace of traditional ones.
In this work, an application for a morphing wing trailing edge is presented; morphing capability was introduced in order to suggest an alternative for conventional flap devices. A compliant rib structure has been designed; it is based on SMA actuators able to sustain the external aerodynamic loads and simultaneously allow controlled wing shape modification.
The main idea at the basis of many previous studies was to integrate a SMA actuator within a classical wing structure or within a suitably designed one: in both cases, SMA elements (generally ties or ribbons) only played the role of actuators, not having a remarkable structural value. The concept herein introduced moves towards the direction of assuring high deformability while keeping good load sustaining capabilities.
Achievable performance was estimated by a FE approach; SMA behaviour was modelled through a dedicated routine for evaluating the activation temperature and internal stress state. The numerical results have been presented in terms of trailing edge induced displacement and morphed shape.
