Shape control of an adaptive wing for transonic drag reduction

Fred Austin; William C. Van Nostrand

doi:10.1117/12.209348

12 May 1995 Shape control of an adaptive wing for transonic drag reduction

Fred Austin, William C. Van Nostrand

Proceedings Volume 2447, Smart Structures and Materials 1995: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.209348
Event: Smart Structures and Materials '95, 1995, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Theory and experiments to control the static shape of flexible structures by employing internal translational actuators are summarized and plants to extend the work to adaptive wings are presented. Significant reductions in the shock-induced drag are achievable during transonic- cruise by small adaptive modifications to the wing cross-sectional profile. Actuators are employed as truss elements of active ribs to deform the wing cross section. An adaptive-rib model was constructed, and experiments validated the shape-control theory. Plans for future development under an ARPA/AFWAL contract include payoff assessments of the method on an actual aircraft, the development of inchworm TERFENOL-D actuators, and the development of a method to optimize the wing cross-sectional shapes by direct-drag measurements.

Citation Download Citation

Fred Austin and William C. Van Nostrand "Shape control of an adaptive wing for transonic drag reduction", Proc. SPIE 2447, Smart Structures and Materials 1995: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies, (12 May 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.209348

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