Actuation of morphing structure

• Main Author: Tai, Chian Tong
• Other Authors: Chen Yan
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Aeronautical engineering::Flight simulation
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/40446
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This paper demonstrates an actuation mechanism for the morphing wing structure design which is capable of extending the wing fuselage length transversely with a smooth motion. Before working towards the set goal, a brief literature review from the fundamental understanding of the interaction between aerodynamics, structures and materials would be required through researching and then followed by a conceptual design approach. A model airplane was prepared to try out for the proposed morphing approach and the whole morphing mechanism and prototype were built upon this plane. An extensible linkage mechanism was design to provide the 1-DOF motion to the wing expansion up to 10% of its original fuselage length. The combined mechanism design built upon the extensible linkage enabled it to extend smoothly and made the motion transmission from servo motor easier. By conducting the flight test in open space, it facilitates us to the identification of the roots of failure effectively by observing how the plane flies and hence troubleshooting would be done directly to the problems at time. However to conduct the flight test in open space would likely cause the performance inconsistent in flying and the flying weather is much determinant to the flight control as adjustment to the control would be required. By repeating the flying test, the performance of flight gets enhanced and improved from time to time. In addition to the wing connector design, simulations were done by the ANSYS software on the deflections of wing and the Von Mises Stress distribution to the wing. It also may help us to overview the procedure the wing change it shape the reason being. Visualization of the deflections of wing is important to the better understanding on how the wing could probably morphs. Simulation varies for different materials being used for the wings, for this case it is made of extruded poly-propylene (EPP). Thus the software can be used to compare various material used for the morphing as well if necessary.