A Cellular Kirigami Morphing Wingbox Concept

Abstract

This study introduces the design and manufacturing of a wingbox based on a cellular hexagonal morphology and produced using kirigami techniques. The wingbox is manufactured in autoclave-cured woven Kevlar fabric using ply-cutting patterns designed around an airfoil profile. The cellular wingbox can be completely or partially folded, providing some shape-adapting capabilities for possible morphing applications. A numerical and analytical evaluation of the torsional stiffness of the wingbox with novel elastomeric face skins is also performed.