The combination of structural material and fluid pressure may result in a morphing structure with integrated shape-change and stiffness functions. In a cellular arrangement, distributed actuation, high control fidelity and a multitude of morphing shapes can also be achieved. The moving isosurface threshold topology optimization method was used to design the cell shapes and the optimal shapes were found to be arch-type structures which elongate or bend for various architecture networks for a NACA 0012 trailing edge. For demonstrative purposes, -3.02/+2.94 deg. deflection was achieved for a 15-cell parallel-type morphing trailing edge prototype.
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