Wind Tunnel Test of Morphing Flap Driven by Shape Memory Alloy Wires

抄録

Morphing wings that transform their configuration seamlessly are expected to improve maneuverability and reduce noise and energy consumption of airplanes compared to conventional wings deformation including gaps and kinks. In addition, solid actuators such as electromagnetic motors and shape memory alloys (SMAs) reduce weight and maintenance cost compared to conventional hydraulic actuators. In this paper, a morphing flap model with a 500mm span × 642mm chord is developed, one-third of the trailing part of which deforms elastically. The actuator system is comprised of thin SMA wires and air blowers to improve the response of the SMA wires. Wind tunnel tests of the morphing flap model are carried out to check its controllability and examine its performance under aerodynamic loads.