A multistep morphing structures design approach applied to different types of applications in aerospace

Continuous shape variation, or “morphing” of aerospace structures provides new design possibilities for the adaptation of aerospace systems to different operating conditions. This study aims to establish a multistep approach for the design of such structures. This includes identifying overall system requirements, creating feasible design concepts systematically, designing new morphing skin materials with corresponding deformation degrees of freedom and using multi-scale numerical simulation for detailed further design of the concepts. Where required, this also includes coupled simulations that take into account surrounding fluid or electromagnetic fields. The application of the approach is shown on three examples of morphing structures: The flexible gap cover between aerodynamic control surfaces of a UAV, the morphing nacelle inlet lip of a transport aircraft engine and a reconfigurable space reflector for use with communication satellites.