Experimental investigations of an elasto-flexible morphing wing concept

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4 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper discusses the design and testing of an elasto-flexible morphing wing configuration allowing massive variation of the wing planform. The wing structure consists mainly of an articulated leading edge spar over which an elastic skin is spanned, forming the actual aerodynamic surface. The configuration of the leading edge spar, actively controlled, sets the overall planform of the wing whereas the elastic membrane just passively deforms under aerodynamic loading. A wind tunnel half model of the wing was tested at three different wind speeds. Results from force measurements show the dynamic pressure dependency of the aerodynamic characteristics due to the high flexible wing construction. Also, the comparison of the drag polars of three different configurations of the wing show that planform morphing effectively provides significant variation in lift and drag characteristics, thus allowing to improve aerodynamic efficiency over a variety of missions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication27th Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences 2010, ICAS 2010
Pages609-619
Number of pages11
StatePublished - 2010
Event27th Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences 2010, ICAS 2010 - Nice, France
Duration: 19 Sep 201024 Sep 2010

Publication series

Name27th Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences 2010, ICAS 2010
Volume1

Conference

Conference27th Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences 2010, ICAS 2010
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityNice
Period19/09/1024/09/10

Keywords

  • Aerodynamic efficiency
  • Flow control
  • Membrane wing
  • Morphing wing

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