Morphing wing aerodynamic control via macro-fiber-composite actuators in an unmanned aircraft

Onur Bilgen, Kevin Kochersberger, Edward C. Diggs, Andrew J. Kurdila, Daniel J. Inman

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

An experimental, theoretical and computational evaluation of a remotely piloted morphing wing aircraft using smart materials is presented. A type of piezoceramic composite actuator commonly known as Macro Fiber Composite is used for wing morphing. The MFC actuators were implemented on a swept wing, 0.76 m wingspan aircraft. The experimental vehicle was flown using two MFC patches in an elevator/aileron (elevon) configuration. Preliminary testing has proven the stability and control of the design which was presented in the authors' previous work. Flight tests were performed to quantify roll control using the actuators. Force and moment coefficients were measured in a low-speed, open section wind tunnel, and a vortex lattice analysis complemented the database of aerodynamic derivatives used to analyze control response. The continuous surface of the MFC actuated composite wing produced lower drag and wider actuation bandwidth.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationCollection of Technical Papers - 2007 AIAA InfoTech at Aerospace Conference
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.
Pages303-319
Number of pages17
ISBN (Print)1563478935, 9781563478932
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes
Event2007 AIAA InfoTech at Aerospace Conference - Rohnert Park, CA, United States
Duration: May 7 2007May 10 2007

Publication series

NameCollection of Technical Papers - 2007 AIAA InfoTech at Aerospace Conference
Volume1

Other

Other2007 AIAA InfoTech at Aerospace Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityRohnert Park, CA
Period5/7/075/10/07

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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