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A Polymorphing Wing Capable of Span Extension and Variable Pitch

Parancheerivilakkathil, Muhammed S.; Haider, Zawar; Ajaj, Rafic M.; Amoozgar, Mohammadreza

A Polymorphing Wing Capable of Span Extension and Variable Pitch Thumbnail


Authors

Muhammed S. Parancheerivilakkathil

Zawar Haider

Rafic M. Ajaj



Abstract

This paper presents the development of a novel polymorphing wing capable of Active Span morphing And Passive Pitching (ASAPP) for small UAVs. The span of an ASAPP wing can be actively extended by up to 25% to enhance aerodynamic efficiency, whilst its pitch near the wingtip can be passively adjusted to alleviate gust loads. To integrate these two morphing mechanisms into one single wing design, each side of the wing is split into two segments (e.g., inboard and outboard segments). The inboard segment is used for span extension whilst the outboard segment is used for passive pitch. The inboard segment consists of a main spar that can translate in the spanwise direction. Flexible skin is used to cover the inboard segment and maintain its aerodynamic shape. The skin transfers the aerodynamic loads to the main spar through a number of ribs that can slide on the main spar through linear plain bearings. A linear actuator located within the fuselage is used for span morphing. The inboard and outboard segments are connected by an overlapping spar surrounded by a torsional spring. The overlapping spar is located ahead of the aerodynamic center of the outboard segment to facilitate passive pitch. The aero-structural design, analysis, and sizing of the ASAPP wing are detailed here. The study shows that the ASAPP wing can be superior to the baseline wing (without morphing) in terms of aerodynamic efficiency, especially when the deformation of the flexible skin is minimal. Moreover, the passive pitching near the wingtip can reduce the root loads significantly, minimizing the weight penalty usually associated with morphing.

Citation

Parancheerivilakkathil, M. S., Haider, Z., Ajaj, R. M., & Amoozgar, M. (2022). A Polymorphing Wing Capable of Span Extension and Variable Pitch. Aerospace, 9(4), Article 205. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace9040205

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 31, 2022
Online Publication Date Apr 9, 2022
Publication Date Apr 9, 2022
Deposit Date Apr 12, 2022
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Aerospace
Electronic ISSN 2226-4310
Publisher MDPI AG
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 9
Issue 4
Article Number 205
DOI https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace9040205
Keywords Aerospace Engineering
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/7757354
Publisher URL https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/9/4/205

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