This work aims to investigate how bio-inspired morphing wings built with state-of-the-art materials affect the aerodynamics and extend the range of flight conditions. In particular, this study investigates the aerodynamic effects of coupled airfoil and planform sweep morphing. The morphed geometries were chosen to resemble a current morphing design that uses Macro Fiber Composites (MFCs) and Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wires. The primary mode of camber actuation is achieved using the MFCs which are supplemented using antagonistic SMA wires, forming a hinge ahead of the MFCs. The SMA hinge also allows for bi-directional actuation, resulting in a reflexed airfoil. Numerical simulations were conducted using a Reynolds-averaged-Navier-Stokes (RANS) turbulence model for low-Reynolds-number flow, in addition to wind tunnel experiments. Nine different wing configurations were considered consisting of combinations of 3 sweep angles and 3 airfoil profiles, including unactuated (baseline), monotonic camber actuation, and reflex actuation. These geometries were 3D printed on a high resolution printer. Tests were conducted in a 2 ft. × 2 ft. wind tunnel at the University of Michigan at a flow speed of 10 m/s, consistent with the flow regime expected for this scale of aircraft. The preliminary results suggest a definite improvement in flight performance associated with the proposed coupling.
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ASME 2016 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems
September 28–30, 2016
Stowe, Vermont, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Aerospace Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-5049-7
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Bio-Inspired Coupling of Camber and Sweep in Morphing Wings
Amin Moosavian,
Amin Moosavian
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Lawren L. Gamble,
Lawren L. Gamble
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Alexander M. Pankonien,
Alexander M. Pankonien
Air Force Research Laboratory, WPAFB, OH
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Daniel J. Inman
Daniel J. Inman
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Amin Moosavian
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Lawren L. Gamble
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Alexander M. Pankonien
Air Force Research Laboratory, WPAFB, OH
Daniel J. Inman
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Paper No:
SMASIS2016-9096, V002T06A007; 8 pages
Published Online:
November 29, 2016
Citation
Moosavian, A, Gamble, LL, Pankonien, AM, & Inman, DJ. "Bio-Inspired Coupling of Camber and Sweep in Morphing Wings." Proceedings of the ASME 2016 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems. Volume 2: Modeling, Simulation and Control; Bio-Inspired Smart Materials and Systems; Energy Harvesting. Stowe, Vermont, USA. September 28–30, 2016. V002T06A007. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/SMASIS2016-9096
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