Mechanical strain energy shuttle for aircraft morphing via wing twist or structural deformation

Dan J. Clingman; Robert T. Ruggeri

doi:10.1117/12.538681

Translator Disclaimer

29 July 2004 Mechanical strain energy shuttle for aircraft morphing via wing twist or structural deformation

Dan J. Clingman, Robert T. Ruggeri

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5388, Smart Structures and Materials 2004: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.538681
Event: Smart Structures and Materials, 2004, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Direct structural deformation to achieve aerodynamic benefit is difficult because large actuators must supply energy for structural strain and aerodynamic loads. This ppaer presents a mechanism that allows most of the energy required to twist or deform a wing to be stored in descrete springs. When this device is used, only sufficient energy is provided to control the position of the wing. This concept allows lightweight actuators to perform wing twisting and other structural distortions, and it reduces the onboard mass of the wing-twist system. The energy shuttle can be used with any actuator and it has been adapted for used with shape memory alloy, piezoelectric, and electromagnetic actuators.

Citation Download Citation

Dan J. Clingman and Robert T. Ruggeri "Mechanical strain energy shuttle for aircraft morphing via wing twist or structural deformation", Proc. SPIE 5388, Smart Structures and Materials 2004: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies, (29 July 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.538681

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE