Wing Shape Control through an SMA-Based Device

Based on numerical and experimental analyses, this article proposes an application of the smart structure concept aimed at realizing a bump on an airfoil profile, finalized to reduce transonic drag, through the use of shape memory alloys (SMAs). The ability of morphing the wing profile is functional to maximize the aerodynamic efficiency in different mission conditions. The use of the so-called smart materials allows a favorable actuation performance per weight ratio, also leading to simple and integrated devices. Currently, to model their mechanical behavior is still an open issue and this work presents some original ideas about this. Numerical results and experimental tests herein presented, demonstrate the efficacy of the developed concept device, calling for further studies on real structures; their correlation also validate the implemented simulation procedure.