Actuator Optimization of a Flexible Morphing Wing Mechanism

This paper investigates the optimization of distributed actuation within a flexible morphing wing structure. The goal is to understand the effect that actuator location, orientation and increased flexibility have on a morphing wing system. This research starts with a single cell of the morphing wing structure, modeled as a four-bar mechanism, and builds a process for modeling, testing and optimization. The flexible skin of the wing is represented by a spring stretched across two vertices of each cell. Both computer analysis and experimentation are performed on the single cell. The computer analysis is done using ADAMS simulation software and the optimization is performed in MATLAB using Sequential Quadratic Programming. The objective of the optimization is to minimize the structural weight and increase the efficiency of the system as the mechanism moves from a starting configuration to an ending configuration. The results of the analysis for the single cell will be compared to the experimental results and used to validate the optimization process developed.