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Morphing fixed wing MAV modeling using VAM

Kumar, K and Harursampath, Dinesh Kumar (2012) Morphing fixed wing MAV modeling using VAM. In: 15th European Conference on Composite Materials (ECCM15), Thematic Session : Smart Materials and composite structures (F. Furgiule, E. Dragoni), Jun 24-28, 2012, Venice, Italy.

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Official URL: http://paginas.fe.up.pt/~icnmmcs/abstracts/485.pdf

Abstract

The design and implementation of a morphing Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) wing using a smart composite is attempted in this research work. Control surfaces actuated by traditional servos are difficult to instrument and fabricate on thin composite-wings of MAVs. Piezoelectric Fiber Reinforced Composites (PFRCs) are the chosen smart structural materials in the current work for incorporation onto fixed-wing MAVs to simultaneously perform the dual functions of structural load-bearing and actuation of flexure, torsion and/or extension for morphing. Further, PFRC use can be extended towards shape control of a “fixed” wing MAV to meet changing performance requirements. Wings that can warp into desired shapes and/or have variable camber are well-known to exhibit improved efficiency in aerodynamic control. During an entire flight cycle, there are multiple optimal configurations, each of which suits a particular phase of the flight regime. Widely proposed methods of wing morphing include changes in camber, twist, sweep and span. However, camber change during flight is already established, in terms of its potential, as a major factor in improving the aerofoil efficiency and flow separation behavior. Hence, for this work, morphing with camber change is adopted with the goal to better tailor aerodynamic properties.

Item Type: Conference Paper
Publisher: Aerospace Engineering
Department/Centre: Division of Mechanical Sciences > Aerospace Engineering(Formerly Aeronautical Engineering)
Date Deposited: 12 Mar 2014 05:25
Last Modified: 12 Mar 2014 05:28
URI: http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/48594

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