Abstract
This paper presents the design and wind tunnel testing of a morphing camber system and an estimation of performances on an unmanned aerial vehicle. The morphing camber system is a combination of two subsystems: the morphing trailing edge and the morphing leading edge. Results of the present study show that the aerodynamics effects of the two subsystems are combined, without interfering with each other on the wing. The morphing camber system acts only on the lift coefficient at a 0° angle of attack when morphing the trailing edge, and only on the stall angle when morphing the leading edge. The behavior of the aerodynamics performances from the MTE and the MLE should allow individual control of the morphing camber trailing and leading edges. The estimation of the performances of the morphing camber on an unmanned aerial vehicle indicates that the morphing of the camber allows a drag reduction. This result is due to the smaller angle of attack needed for an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with the morphing camber system than an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with classical aileron. In the case study, the morphing camber system was found to allow a reduction of the drag when the lift coefficient was higher than 0.48.
Highlights
In an effort to reduce aircraft fuel consumption, researchers and engineers strive to optimize all aircraft flight phases
This article presents a prototype of a Morphing Camber System (MCS) that enables an aircraft wing to modify its shape during flight
The aerodynamic forces of drag and lift were measured on the MCS
Summary
In an effort to reduce aircraft fuel consumption, researchers and engineers strive to optimize all aircraft flight phases. To this end, many studies have focused on optimizing aircraft weight (structure and materials), engine efficiency, aircraft trajectories, and aerodynamics, etc. The optimization of the aerodynamics of an aircraft is performed by modifying its shapes and/or its surfaces (wings, empennage, etc.). This article presents a prototype of a Morphing Camber System (MCS) that enables an aircraft wing to modify its shape during flight. A new method to achieve the morphing of the internal structure is presented. This method consists of using slits on the ribs to make them compliant
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