Aerodynamic Investigation of a Morphing Wing for Micro Air Vehicle by Means of PIV

Rafael Bardera,Adelaida García-Magariño,Ángel Rodríguez-Sevillano

doi:10.3390/fluids5040191

Rafael Bardera, Adelaida García-Magariño + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids5040191

Copy DOI

Abstract

A wind tunnel tests campaign has been conducted to investigate the aerodynamic flow around a wing morphing to be used in a micro air vehicle. Non-intrusive whole field measurements were obtained by using PIV, in order to compare the velocity and turbulence intensity maps for the modified and the original version of an adaptive wing designed to be used in a micro air vehicle. Four sections and six angles of attack have been tested. Due to the low aspect ratio of the wing and the low Reynold number tested of 6.4 × 104, the influence of the 3D effects has been proved to be important. At high angles of attack, the modified model prevented the detachment of the stream, increased the lift of the wing and reduced the turbulence intensity level on the upper surface of the airfoil and in the wake.

Highlights

The idea of changing the wing shape or geometry in an aircraft to adapt to each aerodynamic condition of a typical mission profile is inspired by the observation of flight in nature, and it is far from new
A wind tunnel tests campaign has been conducted to investigate the aerodynamic flow around tunneltotests campaign has been conducted to investigate the aerodynamic flow around a wingwind morphing be used in a micro air vehicle
Non-intrusive whole field measurements were aobtained wing morphing to be used in a micro air vehicle

Summary

Introduction

The idea of changing the wing shape or geometry in an aircraft to adapt to each aerodynamic condition of a typical mission profile is inspired by the observation of flight in nature, and it is far from new. The limitations related to the materials technology, which added complexity and weight, have prevented the implementation of this idea, and have led to more rigid aircraft that are optimized only for a limited flight conditions, with wings being designed as a compromise geometrically. An adaptive wing would diminish the compromises required to ensure the operation of airplane in multiple flight conditions, and in this context the concept of morphing aircraft arises in the aeronautical field, the word “morphing” being short for metamorphose. Allows the concept of morphing aircraft to become more attractive. Smart materials can respond to changes in the environment and are structural materials and active materials [2,3]

Methods

Results

Conclusion