Compliant structures-based wing and wingtip morphing devices

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the design and experimental work of compliant wing and wingtip morphing
\ndevices conducted within the EU FP7 project NOVEMOR and to demonstrate that the optimization tools developed can be used to synthesize
\ncompliant morphing devices.
\nDesign/methodology/approach – The compliant morphing devices were “designed-through-optimization”, with the optimization algorithms
\nincluding Simplex optimization for composite compliant skin design, aerodynamic shape optimization able to take into account the structural
\nbehaviour of the morphing skin, continuum-based and load path representation topology optimization methods and multi-objective optimization
\ncoupled with genetic algorithm for compliant internal substructure design. Low-speed subsonic wind tunnel testing was performed as an effective
\nmeans of demonstrating proof-of-concept.
\nFindings – It was found that the optimization tools could be successfully implemented in the manufacture and testing stage. Preliminary insight
\ninto the performance of the compliant structure has been made during the first wind tunnel tests.
\nPractical implications – The tools in this work further the development of morphing structures, which when implemented in aircraft have potential
\nimplications to environmentally friendlier aircrafts.
\nOriginality/value – The key innovations in this paper include the development of a composite skin optimization tool for the design of highly 3D
\nmorphing wings and its ensuing manufacture process; the development of a continuum-based topology optimization tool for shape control design
\nof compliant mechanisms considering the stiffness and displacement functions; the use of a superelastic material for the compliant mechanism; and
\nwind tunnel validation of morphing wing devices based on compliant structure technology.