Trailing edge flap activated by a Piezo-induced bending-torsion coupled beam

摘要

An active rotor blade trailing edge flap, driven via a piezo-induced bending-torsion composite beam was developed and hover tested. A novel spanwise variation in the beam ply-layup and piezoceramic element phasing was used to maximize the twist re- sponse, while minimizing the bending response. The induced tip twist of the actuator beam deflects the trailing edge flap. A proof-of-concept actuator beam was developed and tested, demonstrating pure tip twist actuation.