Performance enhancement of a bioinspired micro air vehicle by integrating a smart composite in its morphing wing

The purpose of this paper is to show the advantages of using a smart composite in a micro air vehicle (MAV) equipped with morphing wing technology. A Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) actuator is attached to the wing's bottom surface to modify the wing camber during the mission. This material allows the MAV to be optimized according to each flight, thus making it more versatile and attractive to the market. The elongation of the lower surface when a positive voltage is applied to the actuator is translated to an increment in camber, which results in an increment in the maximum lift coefficient, thus enabling the vehicle to fly slower to adapt to any payload. Besides, a reduction in camber results in an increase in aerodynamic efficiency, which improves range and endurance. Several tests of the MAV at prototype level have been carried out at INTA, so as to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing MFC actuators to control and manoeuvre these vehicles. The use of this material in aerospace industry opens up various fields of research in aerospace engineering, such as new features in flight mechanics and aerodynamic performance and new strategies in the design of flight stability and control laws.

Automated summary

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the advantages of using a smart composite in a micro air vehicle equipped with morphing wing technology. By attaching a Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) actuator to the wing's bottom surface, the wing's camber can be modified during the mission, optimizing the MAV for each flight and enhancing versatility and market appeal. The application of MFC actuators allows for increased camber and maximum lift coefficient, enabling the MAV to fly at slower speeds to accommodate different payloads, while reducing camber enhances aerodynamic efficiency, improving range and endurance. The feasibility of implementing MFC actuators for control and maneuverability of these vehicles has been demonstrated through prototype-level tests at INTA. The use of this material in aerospace industry opens up various research fields in aerospace engineering, including new features in flight mechanics and aerodynamic performance, as well as novel strategies in the design of flight stability and control laws.