Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) · 2006 · 126 citations · 0 references
EngineeringAerospace EngineeringMechanical EngineeringAerospace StructuresAircraft DesignAircraft StructuresAerodynamic DesignAircraft Configuration DesignAircraft PerformanceWing AerodynamicsWing DesignWing StructuresAdaptive StructuresAircraft Aerodynamic DesignMorphingMorphing Aircraft ConfigurationMorphing StructuresMorphing WingsShapeShape-morphing Structures
Morphing aircraft alter their external shape during flight to adapt to mission demands, offering superior capabilities and competitiveness over conventional designs, a concept rooted in historical variable‑geometry features and revived by recent smart‑material advances. The study aims to develop high‑performance, multi‑regime aircraft whose wings can change shape and performance during flight for aerodynamic efficiency. The paper reviews morphing aircraft history, details a recent DARPA program, and identifies key technologies needed to enable shape‑changing flight.
Abstract : Morphing aircraft are multi-role aircraft that change their external shape substantially to adapt to a changing mission environment during flight. This creates superior system capabilities not possible without morphing shape changes. The objective of morphing activities is to develop high performance aircraft with wings designed to change shape and performance substantially during flight to create multiple-regime, aerodynamically-efficient, shape-changing aircraft. Compared to conventional aircraft, morphing aircraft become more competitive as more mission tasks or roles are added to their requirements. This paper will review the history of morphing aircraft, describe a recent DARPA program, recently completed, and identify critical technologies required to enable morphing. As indicated in Figure 1, designing and building aircraft shape changing components is not new. In the past, aircraft have used variable sweep, retractable landing gear, retractable flaps and slats, and variable incidence noses. However, recent work in smart materials and adaptive structures has led to a resurgence of interest in more substantial shape changes, particularly changes in wing surface area and controlled airfoil camber.