Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are a unique class of alloys that undergo a controllable shape change as a function of their temperature. The shape change is capable of generating large forces and doing significant work in a robust, energy dense, and compact design. Boeing Research and Technology and NASA have been developing lightweight and compact SMA actuators to support a growing need for improved aircraft efficiency and reduced emissions.The BR&T Flow Control team in St Louis has recently teamed with NASA under a BAART task order to design, build, and flight demonstrate a compact Spanwise Adaptive Wing (SAW). [1] The adaptive wing concept utilizes compact SMA actuators to fold the outboard portion of a wing, augmenting lateral stability. A trailing edge flap on the folded wing section can then be used to improve yaw control. The SAW technology enables a reduction in tail size to reduce drag and increased compression lift in supersonic vehicles, reducing induced drag. A flight test campaign of the SAW concept was completed in December of 2017 on a subscale UAV platform. [2]
展开▼
