This paper presents the design and control of a morphing wing structure using an active tensegrity structure. A tensegrity structure, which is a set of compressive members (struts) stabilized by a set of tensile members (cables) is a good basis for creating a lightweight active structure, due to its potentially high stiffness-to-weight ratio, and the ease with which actuators can be embedded by replacing selected members in the structure. In this work, a multi-axis control scheme is developed for closed loop control of the shape and internal force (pre-stress) of the structure. An experimental prototype has been built, with 6 unidirectional pneumatic cylinders controlled by pulse-width-modulated switching valves. Shape change in terms of twisting and span-wise bending are demonstrated, and an optical motion tracking system is used to help investigate the dynamic position control of the structure. The structure can achieve ±15° twist change for wing angle of attack or ±10° span-wise bending in a 300mm span length. By simultaneously controlling the structural pre-stress, the geometric stiffness of the structure can also be varied. Future research is discussed, which will involve embedding the active structure in a wing aerofoil and testing in a wind tunnel.
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BATH/ASME 2018 Symposium on Fluid Power and Motion Control
September 12–14, 2018
Bath, UK
Conference Sponsors:
- Fluid Power Systems and Technology Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-5196-8
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Closed Loop Position and Pre-Stress Control for a Morphing Aircraft Wing With Distributed Multi-Axis Pneumatic Actuation Available to Purchase
Andrew Plummer,
Andrew Plummer
University of Bath, Bath, UK
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David Cleaver
David Cleaver
University of Bath, Bath, UK
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Hongzhao Zhou
University of Bath, Bath, UK
Andrew Plummer
University of Bath, Bath, UK
David Cleaver
University of Bath, Bath, UK
Paper No:
FPMC2018-8863, V001T01A031; 7 pages
Published Online:
November 20, 2018
Citation
Zhou, H, Plummer, A, & Cleaver, D. "Closed Loop Position and Pre-Stress Control for a Morphing Aircraft Wing With Distributed Multi-Axis Pneumatic Actuation." Proceedings of the BATH/ASME 2018 Symposium on Fluid Power and Motion Control. BATH/ASME 2018 Symposium on Fluid Power and Motion Control. Bath, UK. September 12–14, 2018. V001T01A031. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/FPMC2018-8863
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